Canon unveils a much lighter and smaller f/2.8 zoom lens for its full-frame mirrorless cameras

Canon has announced a new multi-purpose standard zoom lens for its full-frame mirrorless cameras, the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM.

At just 17.3oz / 490g, the 28-70mm F2.8 looks like a perfect fit with Canon’s enthusiast-level cameras like the EOS R8 and EOS R6 Mark II. And with its constant f/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range it’s a compelling upgrade from Canon’s kit lens for such cameras, the RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, with the added benefit of a slightly longer reach.

The new standard zoom costs £1,249.99 (bear with us while we source US and Australia pricing), which is most of the way to the on-sale price of an EOS R8. Not cheap, but also not the priciest lens on offer from Canon for its mirrorless cameras.

(Image credit: Canon)

Is this Canon’s most compelling standard zoom lens yet?

Canon has other standard zoom lenses in its RF range already, but the RF 28-70mm F2.8 appears to strike a lovely balance between portability, a constant wide aperture and decent value.

The significantly cheaper 24-105mm F4-7.1 is another one of Canon’s kit lenses. It’s even lighter and has a longer reach, but doesn’t offer the constant f/2.8 aperture of this new lens and is a step-down optically.

Then there’s Canon’s professional L-series lenses that are an altogether different proposition, all of which are considerably larger, heavier and most of which are much pricier.

Other L-series options, recognized by a signature red ring that Canon’s other standard lenses lack, include the RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM – arguably the closest alternative to the RF 28-70mm F2.8, with more reach but a smaller f/4 constant aperture, and it’s 50% heavier.

Canon’s RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM and the gargantuan Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM are in another league price and features-wise to the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS SM, being designed for professionals who want the best performance and are willing to pay for it (and lug it around).

Still, the RF 28-70mm F2.8 boasts 5.5 stops of optical image stabilization, plus it’s weather resistant, so it’s hardly inferior. There’s also a neat customizable focus/control ring, which changes its function depending on which focusing mode you have selected.

This new lens is clearly positioned as a step-up for enthusiasts who want an all-purpose zoom without being lugged down, and is a worthy addition to Canon’s range of full-frame lenses. It could be the only upgrade lens you ever need.

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