Canon News has uncovered a new optical formula patent for a Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8. Canon seems to have worked quite hard at reducing the size of such a design significantly. The design in this patent is actually smaller than the highly-regarded Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for the Sony E mount.
Canon has a couple of lenses already covering this focal length, such as the RF 28-70mm f/2L and the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS, but as we saw with the EF mount, the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS was quite a popular option for people that didn't want the size, expense or speed of the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II.
With the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS being discontinued, there is likely a need for a smaller 24-70 type lens for the RF mount. The lens design in this patent is only about 1cm longer than the EF EF 24-70mm f/4L IS, but has the bonus of having an extra stop of light. Could this be a less expensive non-L zoom?
Japan Patent Application 2021-156963
- Focal length: 28.84mm 37.17mm 67.90mm
- F number: 2.91 2.91 2.91
- Half angle of view: 32.65° 28.90° 17.67°
- Image height: 21.64mm 21.64mm 21.64mm
- Total lens length: 122.81mm 111.18mm 132.62mm
- BF: 21.92mm 26.79mm 39.84mm
I guess some people without the RF 15-35 2.8 might still prefer to start at 24mm.
I would be shocked by a full-frame one
So maybe an f2.8 non L lens is the start of that.
Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens Review
Which is even smaller then the Tamron.
With 470g a good option for travel.
The RF 24-70 is 900g.
Looks like there is a market for such small, lightwight lenses.
It can sometimes be problematic if I stumble across a good photo opportunity and don’t have the right lens with me.
But the discipline of working with just one lens pays dividends because it forces me to think much harder. It also teaches me to try new approaches to the subject and composition.
For example, I have the stunningly sharp RF 24-105mm F4L. It’s a do-everything lens that is fine when travelling. But it makes me lazy, so often I go out with just my 24mm T/S-E or with my 100mm macro - and the discipline results in much better photographs.
If this were to be ~500 g, nice and compact, I could see it as a nice travel lens. But, you are right about that extra 4 mm, 24 mm is one of my favorite focal lengths.
But, I like options.
Why would you need an RF 28-70mm f/2.8L when the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS is already available?