I owned the EF version of this zoom lens a couple of years ago. It was the L II version (Canon later released a almost identical L III version). I was never satisfied with the size, the weight and the sharpness on f/2,8 and its just below average bokeh presentation (not very creamy compared to 85 L II and 50 L). I was forced to use f/4 for more crisp sharpness. Later I replaced the 70-200 with the 100-400 L II, a lens that I really love, even if it’s a bit slow (f4-5,6).
The RF version on EOS R corrects all my problems with the EF version:
- It is small (53 mm shorter) and light (420 g lighter)
- and sharp already from f/2.8 and very sharp from f/4, center to corner
- excellent IS
- zoom lock button
- much improved minimum focus distance – 70 cm (improved from 1,2 m EF version)
- well corrected – not much CA, just some corner shading
- it hold up well in backlit settings: good contrast and little flare
There’s not much to complain about. The RF 70-200 is a fantastic lens with a ”fantastic” price tag.
The RF lens lineup continues to impress me. My own lens ranking for optical quality/performance:
- RF 85 mm f/1.2
- RF 70-200 mm f/2.8
- RF 50 mm f/1.2
Image examples
It’s Corona-times now, so just some flowers from around my home base:
