Canon’s new RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS costs less than half its 24-70mm sibling

It looks like Canon’s finally starting to cater more to lower-budget customers. They’ve announced a new RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens ($1,099), and it costs less than half the price of the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens ($2,399).

Of course, the new lens makes a few sacrifices compared to its 24-70mm counterpart. You do still get image stabilisation, but it has an STM motor instead of USM, and it’s not part of Canon’s illustrious L series. The cost savings will be worth the difference for many, though.

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 STM

The new Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 STM lacks some of the luxuries of the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens. But with a constant f/2.8 aperture, it’s still going to be quite a formidable lens. It doesn’t go quite as short as its more expensive sibling but still offers a good range for a general walkabout lens.

It’s a compact and very lightweight lens that should meet the needs of many professionals and enthusiasts. And if you can’t justify more than 2 grand on the 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM – or almost 3 grand on the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM ($2,799) – it could be a great option.

Canon has filed several compact 28-70mm f/2.8 lens patents over the last couple of years. There was one in 2021 and another in 2022, but looking at the 15-element, 12-group makeup of the new lens, it’s doubtful that any of those patents matches this lens.

It has stabilisation, but a less capable AF motor

The RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM has a 67mm filter on the front, which is a little smaller than you may be used to for an f/2.8 zoom. Most use 77mm filters, so you may want to grab a step-up ring or two if you choose to get this one. It boasts up to 5.5 stops of stabilisation power, and up to 7.5 stops when used in combination with a Canon RF body featuring IBIS.

It contains a leadscrew-type stepper motor (STM) for focus vs the ultrasonic motor (USM) of the more expensive 24-70mm f/2.8. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing and it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s slower. USM motors are typically used on lenses with larger, heavier glass.

STM motors can often struggle when it comes to speed with larger and heavier lens elements. With the 28-70mm f/2.8 being so compact and lightweight, though, an STM motor should be able to keep up just fine. And even if there is a difference in speed, it may not make a difference for many uses.

It’s nice to see Canon finally starting to address more of their less demanding userbase.

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Specs

Focal Length	28-70mm
Maximum Aperture	f/2,8
Minimum Aperture	f/22
Lens Mount	Canon RF
Format Compatibility	Full-Frame
Angle of View	75°to 34°
Minimum Focus Distance	0.27m (10.6in) at 28mm with AF 0.24m (9.4in) at 28mm with MF
Optical Design	15 Elements in 12 Groups
Diaphragm Blades	9
Focus Type	Autofocus
Image Stabilization	Yes
Tripod Collar	N/A
Filter Size	67 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)	ø76.5mm x 92.2mm (Retracted) 112.4mm (Wide) 138.9mm) (Tele)
Weight	495g

Price and Availability

The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM is available to pre-order now for $1,099. Lenses are scheduled to begin shipping in the next couple of weeks.

---