Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 lens — do I need it?

davidwien
July 25, 2023
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    Team
    July 25, 2023, 8:36 a.m.
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    I like prime lenses and the recently released 28mm is the smallest and lightest of the RF series. Image quality is said to be good, though I have seen few actual photos that wow me. I am very fond of the RF35 and RF16 lenses and examples of my use of them on the R6 are in the weekly photo threads here. If the new lens had a focal length of 20mm, it would fall more in the middle between the 16 and 35mm, but I wonder what use I would make of 28mm. The angles of view of the three lenses are approximately 63°, 75° and 110°, so the new lens is only 12° wider than the 35mm. The advantage of the lens might be that I could use more pixels than if I crop photos made with the 16mm lens.

    In the end, I may just get one out of curiosity and find out whether it is much use to me; but I should be interested to hear others’ opinions. Does anyone reading this thread have this lens?

    David

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    Members 605 posts
    July 25, 2023, 10:45 a.m.
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    Did you try the Canon RF 24 mm F/1.8 Marco IS STM? It's the same size as the RF 35mm.
    I own that one also (and the 16,35,50 and 85mm) So I so see the need to get this 28mm (even with my G.A.S) 😉

    Did have both the EF-s (24mm) and EF(40mm) pancakes, didn't use them so traded them in again for an other lens a while ago.

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    Members 541 posts
    July 25, 2023, 3:42 p.m.
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    Of course you need it! 😉 There is a big gap between the 16mm and 35mm. This review site often has good illustrations of the same shot at different focal lengths, which might help you in visualizing your own use. (Scroll down for an example.) It might also depend on whether you want a very compact lens like the RF28 or you want perspective. Recently I went through a similar exercise. I did an indoor shoot where the widest lens I had with me was 35mm. I couldn't back up enough in the room. In looking for an additional lens I decided that the 28 was not going to be enough of a difference, so I went with 24. Please note though that I am using EF lenses as I still have older Canons that I want to use them with along with an R model. So I can't comment on the specific lens, just offer thoughts on choosing.

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    Members 284 posts
    July 25, 2023, 4:34 p.m.
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    IF... it was f1.8 or f2 instead of f2.8 I would buy one to go along my RF 35mm which I love. I do have the EF 28mm f1.8 and that little extra shallow DoF with a wide angle lens gives a very nice look to the images IMHO.

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    Team
    July 25, 2023, 7:03 p.m.
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    No, I havent tried the RF24. The focal length sounds good, but it is twice as expensive as the RF28, and I am not sure that I need an extra stop of light, as I actually rarely shoot at max aperture.

    The other attraction that nobody has addressed is the small size and weight of the RF28. That is probably what attracts me most. I have the EF40, and with fhe EF to RF convertor it is no longer a pancake!

    David

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    Members 605 posts
    Aug. 12, 2023, 8:37 a.m.
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    Just curious what did you decide and perhaps buy ?

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    Team
    Aug. 12, 2023, 10:34 a.m.
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    I am nor sure that I have decided anything yet. I am still tempted by the small size of the RF28mm, but am happy with the 16mm, which is also smallish. What I do need, really, is a shift lens, so I can take photos of large buildings without leaning verticals, which I find very irritating. Even my 12mm Laowa is not wide enough for what I need.

    The 28mm is too close to the excellent RF35mm that I have, and part of the range of the RF24-240mm, that I use a lot.

    On balance, it may be that I can resist the RF28mm...

    David

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    Members 11 posts
    Aug. 15, 2023, 11:41 p.m.
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    I have the 16, 24, 35 & 50 already. To me the 24 looks to a better lens and it is on sale at Canon for $499. This get you f1.8 & IS, both of which I value. The FL is pretty close to being between 16 & 35. I am sure the 28 is right for a single lens solution for some shooters, just not me. Low light and IS are priceless to me for indoor sports.