Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM
Canon · 28–70 mm · f/2.8 · Image Stabilization
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
71
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Compact and lightweight at 1.1 lbs with fast f/2.8 constant aperture
+Excellent optical quality at wide to mid-range focal lengths (28-50mm)
+Whisper-quiet, fast, and accurate STM autofocus with minimal focus breathing for video
+Strong 5.5-stop optical IS, expandable to 7.5 stops with IBIS-equipped cameras
+Weather-sealed construction and weather-resistant sealing without L-series cost
+L-series level optical quality in compact consumer-grade package
Worth Knowing
−Corner sharpness degradation at 70mm, requiring f/11 to achieve acceptable corner resolution
−Retractable design requires manual extension before shooting
−No lens hood included despite $1100 price point
−Some moderate color fringing at f/2.8 wide aperture (though correctable)
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM is the smallest and lightest RF zoom lens with L-series level image quality. This lens offers a fast f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, allowing photographers to work in low light and achieve creative shallow depth-of-field effects. The 5.5 stops of optical image stabilization coordinate with in-body stabilization to achieve 7.5 stops of correction, enabling handheld shooting in low-light conditions. However, at 70mm, corner quality falls apart with poor corner performance at f/2.8, making it best suited for wide-to-normal focal lengths and everyday creative work rather than telephoto detail work. | |
| Brand | Canon |
| Release Year | 2024 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon RF |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Canon EOS R |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical64/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 495 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 76.5 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 92.2 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 67 mm |
Optics81/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 28–70 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 2.8 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 75°–34° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 20 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 9020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups |  Yes |
Zoom Mechanism ⓘSystem enabling zoom function |  Manual |
Zoom Ring ⓘIf zooming is adjusted using a zoom ring |  Yes |
Zoom Type ⓘThe design or approach to zooming |  Rotary |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 27 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.24x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features60/100 | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Petal |
Zoom Lock ⓘZoom lock allows the zoom ring to be locked at the desired focal length | No |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
IS Efficiency ⓘIS efficiency refers to the effectiveness of the image stabilization system in compensating for the blurring effects of camera shake, quantified by the number of stops of stabilization it provides. | 5.5 stops |
Construction54/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 15 |
| Groups | 12 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 2 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 2 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |