Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
Announced February 14, 2019
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM serves as a reliable workhorse for professional event and wedding photographers who prioritize image quality and versatile focal length coverage. While the lens delivers sharp results and effective stabilization, it is a substantial investment that comes with a significant physical footprint.
Weighted from 24 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness and image quality across the frame
- Fast, silent, and accurate autofocus performance
- Highly effective built-in image stabilization
- Robust, weather-sealed build quality
- Versatile focal range with pleasant bokeh
Cons
- High premium price point
- Large, heavy physical design
- Pronounced vignetting and distortion at wide angles
- Softness or aberrations at certain settings
- Extending lens barrel and lack of physical distance indicator
- Launch price $2,299 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 24-70mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Canon RF Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS, 5 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus 21 cm (0.3x)
- Filter thread 82mm
- Autofocus motor Nano ultrasonic
- Weight & size 900g (1 lb 15.7 oz) · 88.5 x 125.7 mm (3.48 x 4.95 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 24 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- OpticalLimits 7.5/10
The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L IS is the best fast standard zoom lenses that we tested to date. However, this doesn't mean that it's flawless - standard zoom lenses never are.
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The previous Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L lenses set the performance bar high, but the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens raises it to a new level.
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The Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is a very important lens for Canon’s full frame mirrorless ecosystem.
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Well then, overall the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is an absolutely awesome lens in just about every regard, and that includes its size and its price. It's consistently sharp with great colors and contrast, amazing image stabilization, and very nice bokeh.
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This is a must have lens for event photographers, photojournalists, or anyone who needs versatility and unparalleled quality.
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Now the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM gives me everything I want in one lens.
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Some lenses are just so good that there is little doubt that they are worth aspiring to.
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Out of the trinity of “essential” lenses, the 24-70mm f/2.8 is likely to be the most popular and in demand.
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[I]f you're a professional photographer or you do this for a living, you're shooting weddings, you're using a Canon EOS R, this lens is absolutely for you.
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We were very much hoping that the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM would be the new yardstick by which all standard zooms are measured by.
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The Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM is the lens that pros and serious shutterbugs will want for their full-frame camera.
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The RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM delivers superior performance and versatility should make it a ‘must have’ lens for many professionals who use Canon’s EOS R cameras.
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There's a lot to like about Canon's premium 24-70mm lens. That wider aperture is perfect for low-light shooting, and the lens' in-built image stabilization means you can even get nighttime shots handheld.
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For Canon RF system shooters who need a fast standard zoom with IS, this remains the reference lens in the category. If you prefer a lighter option and shoot Sony or Nikon, the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II and Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S are strong alternatives.
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I've been shooting with 24-70 for ages and this lens has the best ergonomics of any 24-70 that I've ever shot with.
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The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is really the best 24-70 that Canon has ever made and also just one that is incredibly useful to have in your bag in a variety of situations. It really is a phenomenal lens and the best 24-70 that Canon has ever made.
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If you need f/2.8 in a midrange zoom, this is an extraordinary lens. If you deserve only the very best, here you go.
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As for sharpness, the lens is sharp wide open in the center at all focal lengths. The corners sometimes need to be closed down a bit to f/4 or f/5.6 for maximum resolution but even wide open the lens is very sharp in the corners and performs very well overall.
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Nonetheless, its superior performance and versatility should make it a ‘must have’ lens for many professionals who use Canon’s EOS R cameras.
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The RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS is a workhorse lens designed for ultimate versatility in a very useful focal length range and with a fast constant f-stop throughout the zoom range.
- Photo Feaver 5/10
With a score of 40 over 50, this is a highly recommended lens to have in your camera bag.
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[E]verything about the lens is great. It's sharp, its autofocus works well, the stabilization is great, but pretty much the only downsides are the price, size, and weight.
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If I could only choose one lens because its versatility, it would most certainly be this, because you have a very wide range of 24 millimeters, which is pretty wide, all the way to 70 millimeters, which is great for portraiture.
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If I only could pack one lens with me for traveling or for event photography, it would be the 24 to 72.8 RF lens.
