Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens: The Ultimate Workhorse for Canon EOS R System

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM is more than just a lens; it’s a statement. As one of the holy trinity of zoom lenses for the Canon RF mount, this lens is designed to be the go-to workhorse for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts utilizing Canon’s full-frame mirrorless EOS R system. With its constant f/2.8 aperture, exceptional build quality, and integrated image stabilization, it promises to deliver outstanding performance across a versatile focal range. We put this highly anticipated lens through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype.

Build Quality and Ergonomics:

From the moment you pick up the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM, its L-series pedigree is undeniable. The construction is robust, featuring a high-quality blend of metals and composites, and it feels incredibly solid in hand. Canon has ensured that this lens is built to withstand the rigors of professional use, with comprehensive dust and weather sealing that provides peace of mind in challenging environments.

The zoom and focus rings are incredibly smooth, offering just the right amount of dampening for precise adjustments. The lens extends slightly when zoomed towards 70mm, but the balance on an EOS R body remains excellent. A welcome addition is the customizable control ring, a hallmark of RF lenses, allowing users to assign functions like ISO, aperture, or exposure compensation for quick, intuitive adjustments without taking their eye from the viewfinder. While it is a substantial lens, weighing approximately 900g (1.98 lbs) and featuring an 82mm filter thread, its design is well-considered for comfortable extended shooting.

Optical Performance and Image Quality:

This is where the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 truly shines. Canon has packed an impressive optical formula into this lens, comprising 21 elements in 15 groups, including three aspherical elements and three UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) elements. These special elements work in tandem to minimize chromatic aberrations, spherical aberrations, and distortion, resulting in images with exceptional clarity and accurate color reproduction.

• Sharpness: The lens delivers remarkable sharpness across the entire focal range, even wide open at f/2.8. In the center, images are tack-sharp from 24mm to 70mm. While corners at 24mm f/2.8 can exhibit a slight softness, they quickly sharpen up when stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6. Around 50mm, the lens reaches its optical sweet spot, exhibiting outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness. For critical work and large prints, the sharpness this lens provides is truly impressive.
• Vignetting: As is common with fast standard zooms, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 does exhibit noticeable vignetting at 24mm and f/2.8. While stopping down helps, some light falloff remains visible even at smaller apertures. However, modern Canon EOS R cameras and post-processing software effectively correct this in-camera or in editing, so it’s rarely a practical concern for most users.
• Distortion: At 24mm, there’s a degree of complex barrel distortion (often described as “mustache” distortion), which transitions to a pincushion distortion at 70mm. Similar to vignetting, these distortions are easily corrected in-camera or in post-processing, and for JPEG shooters, they are often automatically minimized.
• Chromatic Aberrations: Lateral chromatic aberrations are very well controlled, appearing as only minor fringing in high-contrast areas. The UD elements certainly do their job here, contributing to clean, aberration-free images.
• Flare and Ghosting: Thanks to Canon’s advanced Air Sphere Coating (ASC), the lens handles strong backlighting remarkably well. Flare and ghosting are significantly reduced, even when shooting directly into light sources, which is a testament to the effectiveness of this coating technology.
• Bokeh: The nine-blade circular aperture renders beautifully smooth and pleasing bokeh, making it an excellent choice for portraits and isolating subjects from their backgrounds. Out-of-focus highlights are generally well-behaved, though not perfectly circular at the edges of the frame in some situations.

Autofocus Performance:

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM features Canon’s Nano USM focusing system, which lives up to its reputation for speed, precision, and near-silent operation. Autofocus acquisition is almost instantaneous, even in challenging low-light conditions. Whether you’re tracking fast-moving subjects, shooting video, or simply capturing everyday moments, the AF system is consistently reliable and accurate. The silent operation is a significant advantage for videographers and those who need to remain discreet. Full-time manual focus override is also available for precise adjustments.

Image Stabilization (IS):

One of the standout features of this RF 24-70mm is the inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization, a first for a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for full-frame cameras. Canon claims up to 5 stops of shake correction, and in our testing, this proved to be largely accurate. When paired with an EOS R body featuring in-body image stabilization (IBIS), the two systems work cooperatively, further enhancing stability and allowing for incredibly sharp handheld shots at slower shutter speeds than previously possible. This is a game-changer for low-light photography, handheld video, and situations where a tripod isn’t feasible.

Versatility:

The 24-70mm focal range is often considered the most versatile zoom range, suitable for a vast array of photographic genres. From wide-angle landscapes and architecture at 24mm to flattering portraits and event coverage at 70mm, this lens truly covers it all. The constant f/2.8 aperture makes it adept in low light and provides excellent control over depth of field for creative selective focus. Its robust build and weather sealing further enhance its versatility, making it a reliable companion for travel, weddings, photojournalism, and everyday shooting.

Value for Money:

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM is a premium, professional-grade lens, and its price reflects that. Currently ranging from approximately $2,100 to $2,300 USD, it’s a significant investment. However, considering its exceptional optical performance, advanced features, robust build, and the sheer versatility it offers, it represents excellent value for serious photographers who demand the best from their equipment. For those already invested in the Canon EOS R system, this lens is arguably an essential addition to their kit.

Pros:

• Outstanding Image Quality: Exceptional sharpness across the zoom range, well-controlled aberrations, and beautiful bokeh.
• Constant f/2.8 Aperture: Excellent for low-light shooting and depth of field control.
• Highly Effective Optical Image Stabilization: Up to 5 stops of correction, significantly improving handheld versatility.
• Blazing Fast and Silent Nano USM Autofocus: Reliable and precise for both stills and video.
• Robust L-Series Build Quality: Weather-sealed and durable for professional use.
• Customizable Control Ring: Enhances usability and workflow.
• Versatile Focal Range: Ideal for a wide variety of photographic genres.

Cons:

• Size and Weight: It’s a large and heavy lens, which might be a consideration for some, especially during long shoots.
• Price: A premium lens with a premium price tag, representing a significant investment.
• Vignetting at 24mm f/2.8: Noticeable, though easily correctable in post-processing.
• Distortion: Present at both ends of the zoom range, but also easily correctable.

Conclusion:

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is a triumph of optical engineering and a testament to Canon’s commitment to its mirrorless EOS R system. It delivers consistently stunning image quality, boasts incredibly fast and silent autofocus, and benefits immensely from its integrated image stabilization. While its size, weight, and price point may deter some, for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts seeking the absolute best in a standard zoom for their Canon EOS R camera, this lens is an indispensable tool. It’s a truly versatile workhorse that is built to perform and endure, making it an investment that will undoubtedly pay dividends in the quality of your images. If you’re serious about your photography with the EOS R system, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM should be at the top of your wish list.

Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Stars