Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8L USM Z REVIEW - NEW tele zoom!

Summary

In this detailed review, Gordon from Camera Labs evaluates the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z, highlighting its compact design, internal zoom mechanism, and compatibility with RF teleconverters. Priced around £3,600, this high-end telephoto lens delivers exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, and minimal focus breathing, making it ideal for both photography and videography. Gordon compares it to the previous model, noting significant improvements while maintaining a similar look and feel. With features tailored for professional use, this lens stands out as a versatile tool for photographers seeking performance in a variety of shooting scenarios.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM Z is a high-end telephoto zoom lens designed for EOS R mirrorless cameras and is optimized for full-frame sensors.
• 😀 This lens features a non-extending barrel design, allowing the use of RF teleconverters, enhancing its versatility.
• 😀 Priced at around £3,600, it is the second 70-200mm f2.8 L lens in the native RF mount, following the original model from 2019.
• 😀 The lens boasts a unified design, sharing size and controls with the RF 24-105mm f2.8 L Z, available in both black and white finishes.
• 😀 Key improvements over the original model include an internal zoom mechanism and compatibility with RF teleconverters for extended focal lengths.
• 😀 The lens features a de-clicked aperture ring for smooth adjustments during video recording, but its functionality in photography is limited to newer Canon bodies.
• 😀 Optical stabilization claims up to 7.5 stops of compensation, enhancing low-light performance and shooting stability.
• 😀 Dual Nano USM motors provide fast, quiet, and smooth focusing, making it ideal for both still photography and video work.
• 😀 The lens demonstrates excellent image quality across the zoom range, even wide open at f2.8, with minimal focus breathing.
• 😀 The new RF 70-200mm lens appeals to photographers looking for a traditional design without the previous model's limitations, positioning it as a strong option for event, wildlife, and portrait photography.

Q & A

What are the key features of the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens?

The lens features an internal zoom mechanism, compatibility with RF 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, a de-clicked aperture ring for video use, and improved focus performance with dual Nano USM motors.

How does the new RF 70-200mm lens compare to the previous model?

The new RF 70-200mm lens offers a more traditional internal zoom design, allowing the use of teleconverters, whereas the previous model had an extending barrel that prevented this. The new model also features enhanced optical performance and focus capabilities.

What is the significance of the lens being categorized as a 'hybrid' zoom?

A hybrid zoom lens is designed for both photo and video applications, featuring a de-clicked aperture ring, minimal focus breathing, and fast, smooth focusing, making it versatile for different shooting styles.

What are the available finishes for the Canon RF 70-200mm lens?

The lens is available in both black and white finishes, with the black version being more discreet and the white version managing heat more effectively.

What improvements in image quality can users expect from the new lens?

Users can expect exceptional sharpness and detail retention across the frame, even at wide-open f/2.8, with performance remaining high when using teleconverters, making it suitable for various photographic applications.

How does the autofocus performance of the RF 70-200mm lens rate?

The lens features dual Nano USM motors that provide fast, quiet, and smooth autofocus, making it effective for both fast action and controlled focus pulls in video.

What functionality does the de-clicked aperture ring provide?

The de-clicked aperture ring allows for smooth, silent adjustments while filming video, but it may not be as favored by still photographers who prefer a clicked aperture for better control.

What is the importance of the lens's minimal focus breathing?

Minimal focus breathing is important for videographers as it allows for smoother focus transitions without distracting shifts in framing or composition, enhancing the overall video quality.

What practical features does the lens include for tripods?

The lens comes with a built-in collar and a removable tripod foot, featuring two different tripod threads and a locking pin for stability. However, it does not adopt an ARCA dovetail base.

What type of photographers is the Canon RF 70-200mm lens best suited for?

The lens is particularly suited for event photographers, wildlife shooters, and portrait photographers due to its versatile zoom range, high image quality, and effective background blur capabilities.