|
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. |
As we know, Canon surprised us with the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM in September and followed it up with an RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM in January. That gave us two small and affordable constant aperture zoom lenses for full-frame cameras.
We think most of us now expect a ‘holy trinity' sort of thing with this line of lenses, and a 70-200mm or something similar would be the ticket.
- Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
- Compact & Fast Standard Zoom
- Stepper Motor (STM) Autofocus
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- Collapsible Design
- Customizable Control Ring
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
Canon RF 70-150mm f/2.8 IS STM
We're told that an RF 70-150mm f/2.8 IS STM is coming in Q4 of this year, and it will be extremely compact for what it is.
We have seen patents for an RF 70-150mm f/2L IS USM design, but not for a small f/2.8 version yet, but we'll keep looking. The previous two lenses were out there in plain sight.
Full-Frame
Leadscrew-Type STM Autofocus Motor
Optical Image Stabilizer
Customizable Control Ring
Weather-Resistant Construction
Summary
I think a lot of shooters would prefer an RF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS STM, even if it's simply about being comfortable with the zoom range.
In the end, it may come down to wanting to get the lens to the size that matches the other two and the way to do that is by going 70-150mm. Both current STM f/2.8 zoom lenses have been very well received and are selling well. We have no doubt that a 70-150mm f/2.8 IS STM would also sell extremely well.
We're confident that this one is going to come to fruition.
By all accounts, the current f/2.8 non-L zooms are excellent lenses, with L-series level IQ, weather sealing, and a substantially lower cost than their L-series cousins.
RF 70-200/2.8L Z – $3000
RF 70-150/2.8 – $1000-1200
Similar IQ, same constant aperture. reduced focal range, MUCH lower cost. Makes absolute sense.
Edit: I either missed the “for me“ in your post or you edited it before I replied. Certainly agree that if one already has a 70-200/2.8, there would be a little point in buying this lens. That applies to me as well.
willwell on the R6-2 and R7.And as for “nobody asked for this”? I’d say just about everyone has been asking for affordable, compact f/2.8 lenses from Canon that are also weather sealed. Here they are and you’re not impressed. You’d rather have a Sigma lens? Why?
These lenses are excellent. I actually sold my RF 24-70 because the 28-70 offered impressive image quality and fit my needs better. I already carry the RF 24-105 f/2.8L Z in my work bag, so the 28-70 makes a lot of sense as a backup and for travel.
The purchase of the 16-28 and 28-70 allowed me to sell out of my entire interchangeable lens Fujifilm travel kit because now I finally had a better solution from Canon. The instant this final “trinity lens” drops, I’ll buy that too.
I do yearn for something Canon in the 35-150 ish range @ f/2.8. The Tamron EF 35-150 f/2.8-4 is a fine stills lens, but the OIS is awful jittery for video. Alas, that horse has been flogged enough already.
I´m personally interested in the 2.8 STM lenses. If and when I finally pull the trigger on the R8 as a second body, I´d probably get the 28-70mm F2.8. For the third rumored lens, sacrificing 50mm focal length (compared to my 70-200mm F4 L) does sound like a lot to give up.
Two questions to R8 owners:
Has anyone used the R8 with either the RF24-105mm F4 L or the 70-200mm F4? Also, how is the 100-400mm on that body?
I´d use the R8 with the RF 16mm, 35mm (maybe 28mm if I can get it at refurb price) 85mm F2 (if I keep it) and need something in the standard telezoom area...
And if it can do MFD of 40~55cm, it's gonna be a good portrait lens for me.
The 28-70STM & 16-28STM proven to be great for working photographers to replace the LG equivalent... So 70-150/70-180 will also be great.
Every keyboard warrior complains about the RF price in comparison with Sigma Tamron E-mount equivalents. But the Sigma Tamron does have AF&fps crippled by Sony.