Canon today announced the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM, a new RF mount lens for the EOS R mirrorless camera system that will take imaging possibilities into a new dimension. As a bright f/2.8 constant aperture standard zoom lens, the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM opens accessibility to more users, being Canon’s first non-professional-grade lens of its kind.
Redefining Versatility
A constant aperture zoom lens is one of the most versatile types of lenses available. With its bright f/2.8 maximum aperture and compact, lightweight portability, the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM offers even more versatility. Users can freeze their precious moments in low light and achieve dreamy shallow focus (bokeh) effects, regardless if they are shooting glittery urban scenes at the 28mm wide end or taking close-up beauty shots at 70mm. When paired with APS-C cameras, it transforms into a standard zoom ideal for daily scenes, products, and portraits, with a full-frame equivalent effective focal range of 44.8mm to 112mm.
The versatility is boosted with powerful built-in Optical Image Stabilizer, which helps users achieve sharp, steady images even when using shutter speeds up to 5.5 stops slower on cameras with no In-Body Image Stabilizer (In-Body IS) like the EOS R8, and up to 7.5 stops slower on cameras that do, like the EOS R6 Mark II. Movie Digital IS during video shooting is also supported, allowing users to record smooth, steady handheld footage even without a tripod or gimbal.
While the combination of a bright constant aperture with zoom capabilities is usually associated with larger professional-grade lenses, the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM dispels that notion. At approximately 9.22cm long when fully retracted and weighing approximately 495g, it is smaller and 45% lighter than its closest professional-grade counterpart (RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM), making it travel friendly. Despite not being an L-series lens, the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM boasts weather-sealing, the same level of durability and shock resistance, and an excellent image quality that far exceeds that of a kit lens, thanks to Canon’s advanced optical design technology.
