One Lens to Rule them All | Best Canon Lens for Portraits and Weddings

As a professional photographer, I'm often asked about the best lens for various types of photography. While opinions may vary, there's one lens that stands out above the rest in my eyes. It's the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 lens, a true powerhouse that has become my most used and favorite lens. In this blog, I'll dive deep into its capabilities, and advantages, and why I believe it's the one lens to rule them all.

The Versatility of the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 Lens: Before getting into the specifics, let me address the elephant in the room—the price. Yes, the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 lens is an investment, currently priced at around $3,000. But trust me when I say, it's worth every penny and more. Allow me to explain why.

Prior to using this lens, I relied on a combination of prime lenses. However, since acquiring the Canon RF 28-70mm F2, I find myself leaving three of my go-to lenses behind. Not only does this save space and weight in my bag, but it also eliminates the hassle of changing lenses during shoots. The shots I used to miss while swapping lenses are now a thing of the past.

Superior Performance and Image Quality: Let's talk about the lens's performance and image quality. The Canon RF 28-70mm F2 lens is a true beast. Despite being a zoom lens, it delivers exceptional sharpness, clarity, and stunning colors. The images captured with this lens rival those taken with more expensive prime lenses. The wide aperture of F2 also creates a beautiful shallow depth of field, mimicking the prime lens effect without sacrificing versatility.

The Advantages of Zoom: Some photographers might argue that a prime lens with an aperture of 1.2 or 1.4 offers a significant advantage over an F2 lens. While there is a noticeable difference, especially at the wide end, I believe the advantages of having a versatile zoom lens outweigh the benefits of a wider aperture on multiple prime lenses.

Addressing the RF 24-70mm F2 Lens: Now, you might wonder why I haven't mentioned the Canon RF 24-70mm F2 lens. Well, it's simply because I'm eagerly waiting for Canon to release an RF version of that lens. As of now, it doesn't exist, and my focus in this blog is on lenses that are currently available.

Pairing with Mirrorless Cameras: One important thing to note is that the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 lens is designed exclusively for mirrorless cameras. It won't work with DSLRs due to the differences in physics, optics, and the distance between the lens and the sensor. So, if you're shooting with a mirrorless camera like the Canon EOS R5, this lens is a perfect match.

Expanding the Focal Length with Digital Crop: Here's where things get interesting. With my Canon EOS R5, I often utilize a 1.6x digital crop, effectively extending the lens's reach. This means that instead of a 28-70mm range, I can achieve an equivalent field of view of approximately 28-112mm. This flexibility makes the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 lens even more valuable, especially when shooting at a distance.

Autofocus, Control Ring, and Compatibility: The auto focus on this lens is as smooth as butter, ensuring quick and accurate focusing, which is a crucial factor in capturing those precious moments. Additionally, the lens features a control ring, allowing you to adjust settings like white balance with ease. It's worth noting that most RF lenses offer this control ring feature, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

The Lens That Stays on My Camera: To give you an idea of its practical use, let me share my typical setup. For engagement sessions, I pair the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 with my EF 135mm lens (since there's no RF version available yet). This combination covers a wide range of focal lengths and suits most scenarios perfectly. When it comes to weddings, I typically carry the Canon RF 28-70mm F2, the RF 15-35mm F2.8, and a macro lens. This compact setup allows me to cover various aspects of the event without being weighed down by extra lenses.

Closing Thoughts: While the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 lens might be on the heavier side, its exceptional performance, versatility, and image quality make it a worthy investment. Its ability to mimic the prime lens effect, combined with the convenience of a zoom, sets it apart from the rest. If you're a mirrorless shooter looking for the perfect all-around lens, look no further than the Canon RF 28-70mm F2—it's the lens that stays on my camera about 80% of the time.

Remember, photography is a creative journey, and lens choices can vary depending on personal preferences and shooting styles. But in my experience, this lens has truly become a game-changer. So, if you're ready to take your photography to the next level, consider adding the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 lens to your gear collection.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are based on my personal experience and preferences as a professional photographer. Prices and availability of lenses may vary depending on your location and the time of reading this article.

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