Summary
The Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM is a pro zoom that exploits the benefits of both mirrorless and modern optical design to deliver a truly unique proposition. It essentially matches the optical quality of the superb EF 70-200mm f2.8 Mark III, but with a barrel that’s two thirds the weight and, when set to 70mm, three-quarter’s the length. Event shooters will greatly appreciate the benefit of a noticeably lighter lens, plus the shorter barrel allows it to stand up for transportation in many bags rather than lying down. Canon’s also improved the image stabilisation, delivered better closeups, quietened the motors and thrown-in a cylindrical white lens hood with a filter window. In my tests, focus breathing may have reduced the benefit of the closer focusing distance, but the RF still delivers a bigger and sharper image than the EF version at their minimum distances, and while some may be sceptical over the switch from metal parts on the EF version to engineering plastic on the RF model, I’m not overly concerned – these new materials are tougher than you may think. A thornier issue is whether the extending barrel will suck in any dust or moisture, but the use of various air filters and an impressively robust mechanism are certainly reassuring – only time will tell though. There’s also the fact the new lens is comfortably more expensive than the already excellent Mark III EF version, but if you value saving almost half a kilo in weight, not to mention enjoying greater portability, sharper closeups and better stabilisation, then the RF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM comes highly recommended.
