http://www.digitalcameraworld.com DECEMBER 2019 DIGITAL CAMERA^119Verdict
Canon’s most important RF-mount ‘trinity’ lens
is here to proselytise the benefits of the EOS R
system – and it will have most users singing
‘Hallelujah’ all the way to the camera store. Given the
price point, though, it falls a little short of greatness.4.5 Outstanding
5.0Features4.0Performance3.0Valueuch has been written about Canon’s full-frame
mirrorless camera since its release in October 2018,
but one criticism has gone unanswered for almost
the first 12 months: “There are no proper lenses.”
It’s been a familiar refrain from early adopters and
system sceptics alike; the EOS R has relied almost exclusively on the
crutch of EF-mount lenses since its launch. While the company has
done an admirable job of fleshing out the Canon RF lens roadmap,
the lack of the three ‘trinity’ zoom lenses has been hard to ignore.
Canon did release the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM – but that hulking,
specialist optic was never going to appease the everyman.
Thankfully, then, Canon has now given us the RF 24-70mm
f/2.8L – the standard zoom everyone has been waiting for.
A 24-70mm f/2.8 is arguably the most important lens in
any manufacturer’s lineup, if it wishes to be taken seriously
by enthusiasts and professionals alike. Fortunately, Canon
has delivered a terrific standard zoom for both stills and video.
The lens is one of the first in the RF range to include Canon’s
five-stop Image Stabiliser. It also features Nano USM – Canon’s
premium tier of focus motor, which is able to muscle the large
glass elements in the RF lens with both speed and precision.
Performance
While Canon has yet to catch up with the rest of the market in terms
of in-body image stabilisation, its lens-based IS is quite formidable.
Whether shooting at the long end or with slower shutter speeds,
it does a sound job of keeping your shots sturdy – ideal for
run-and-gun wedding or events photographers working in
challenging venues. In terms of centre sharpness, there is little
to fault, but edge sharpness is only average, even at the longer
end of the range. James Artaius
M
1
The 82mm thread
diameter is the same
as Canon’s equivalent
EF lens, which will
benefit anyone
upgrading to the RF.2
The lens construction
features 21 elements
in 15 groups, with nine
diaphragm blades.3
The lens’ control ring
can be programmed
to control anything
from white balance
to metering modes.Canon RF 24-70mm
f/2.8L IS USM
£2,329/$2,299
The EOS R’s long-awaited standard zoom is here
Full-frame compatible: Ye s
Effective focal length: 24-70mm
Image Stabiliser: Five-stop, hybrid
Minimum focus distance:
0.21m (at 24mm) / 0.38mm (at 70mm)
Max magnification factor: 0.3x (at 32mm)
Manual focus override: Electronic
Filter size: 82mm
Weather seals: Ye s
Supplied accessories: None
Length: 126mm5.0Build &
handling123Sharpness
The resolution in the centre is superb. At f/2.8, it’s
slightly sharper in the first half of its zoom range.Fringing Short 0.04 Long 0.11
Colour fringing levels are consistently low
across the zoom and aperture range.Distortion Short -1.18 Long 1.66
The lens exhibits barrel distortion at its widest setting,
which quickly switches to pincushion distortion.Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM Zoom lens