Is The Canon 28-70mm f2 Really The Ultimate Wedding Photography Lens?

Summary

In this detailed review, wedding photographer Taylor Jackson puts the Canon 28-70mm F2 lens to the test in Iceland, weighing its pros and cons for wedding photography. While the lens delivers exceptional image quality, sharpness, and beautiful bokeh, its heavy size, lack of image stabilization, and high price are potential drawbacks. Jackson also compares it to the popular 24-70mm F2.8, highlighting the 28-70mm's superior image rendering but noting its ergonomic discomfort. Ideal for those seeking professional results, this lens may not be for everyone, especially those prioritizing portability and cost-efficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Canon 28-70mm f/2 lens is praised for its versatility, making it a great all-in-one solution for wedding photographers, though backup gear is still recommended.
• 😀 The constant f/2 aperture is a standout feature, offering excellent background separation and beautiful bokeh, which is ideal for low-light wedding environments.
• 😀 This lens provides high-quality images from 28mm to 70mm, with sharpness even at f/2, and minimal chromatic aberration or distortion.
• 😀 Autofocus performance is exceptional, with fast, accurate, and quiet tracking, making it ideal for capturing candid moments during weddings and events.
• 😀 The lens is built with weather sealing, making it reliable in harsh conditions such as rain or snow, a crucial feature for outdoor wedding photography.
• 😀 It is also well-suited for video, allowing quick reframing of shots and delivering consistent image quality, making it a solid choice for hybrid shooters.
• 😀 The overall professional aesthetic of the lens, both in terms of image quality and its appearance, contributes to a polished and refined look for wedding photos.
• 😀 Despite its strengths, the lens is heavy and large, which may lead to discomfort during long shooting sessions, especially for those who prioritize portability.
• 😀 The high price point of the Canon 28-70mm f/2 may not fit every photographer's budget, and there are limited third-party alternatives for the same specifications.
• 😀 The lack of image stabilization is a drawback, but this is mitigated by the in-body stabilization in the Canon R5 Mark II. Users with cameras lacking IBIS might face challenges.
• 😀 The 28mm wide end may not be wide enough for some photographers, particularly those who often shoot large group shots or need a broader perspective in tight spaces.

Q & A

What makes the Canon 28-70mm f/2 lens the 'ultimate' wedding photography lens?

The Canon 28-70mm f/2 lens is considered the 'ultimate' due to its combination of versatility, excellent image quality, and a constant f/2 aperture. It allows photographers to shoot a variety of scenarios with one lens, offering great background blur, sharpness, and performance in low-light conditions.

Why did the reviewer travel to Iceland to test the Canon 28-70mm f/2 lens?

The reviewer traveled to Iceland to test the lens in challenging conditions, taking advantage of the landscape and weather to see how the lens performs in real-world situations. The trip also allowed the reviewer to combine the lens test with a workshop experience.

What is the key benefit of the constant f/2 aperture on the Canon 28-70mm f/2?

The constant f/2 aperture provides great background separation, allows for better low-light performance, and delivers beautiful bokeh. This aperture is especially useful for shooting in darker environments like ceremonies or receptions, ensuring high-quality images even without a flash.

How does the 28-70mm f/2 lens compare to other popular wedding lenses like the 24-70mm f/2.8?

The 28-70mm f/2 lens offers a wider aperture (f/2) compared to the 24-70mm f/2.8, providing superior image quality, especially in low light. Although the 24-70mm f/2.8 is smaller and more affordable, the 28-70mm f/2 produces a more shallow depth of field and a more 'painterly' aesthetic in its images.

What does the reviewer think about the build quality of the Canon 28-70mm f/2?

The reviewer praises the build quality of the Canon 28-70mm f/2, noting that it is weather-sealed and built to withstand tough conditions. The lens holds up well in challenging environments like those found in Iceland, making it suitable for wedding photographers who need reliability in various weather conditions.

How does the autofocus performance of the Canon 28-70mm f/2 lens perform with the Canon R5 Mark II?

The autofocus performance is excellent when paired with the Canon R5 Mark II. It is fast, quiet, and accurate, making it ideal for capturing candid moments at weddings. The reviewer notes that out of the 3,000 images shot during the test, none were autofocus errors, emphasizing the reliability of the system.

What are the potential drawbacks of using the Canon 28-70mm f/2 lens for wedding photography?

The Canon 28-70mm f/2 has several potential drawbacks: it is large and heavy, making it less comfortable for extended use; it is expensive; it lacks image stabilization, which could be a problem for cameras without robust in-body stabilization; and the 28mm focal length may not be wide enough for all wedding scenarios.

Why might some photographers find the 28mm focal length of the Canon 28-70mm f/2 limiting?

Some photographers might find the 28mm focal length limiting because it may not be wide enough for group shots or capturing wide interior spaces during weddings. In such cases, a wider lens, such as the Canon 16mm f/2.8, might be necessary.

How does the Canon 28-70mm f/2 lens perform for video work?

The Canon 28-70mm f/2 lens is highly suitable for video, offering smooth focusing and versatility. Its fast aperture allows for beautiful background blur, while the ability to reframe shots quickly is especially useful for video shooters who need to adjust on the fly.

What is the reviewer’s final verdict on the Canon 28-70mm f/2 lens after testing it in Iceland?

The reviewer is impressed with the Canon 28-70mm f/2 lens' image quality, performance, and versatility, particularly for wedding photography. However, the lens' weight and size are drawbacks, and the reviewer remains uncertain whether it will become their go-to lens for all weddings. They plan to continue testing it before making a final decision.