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Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8: My opinion may SURPRISE you (Real-world Review)

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Canon RF 70-200mm

It's Vanessa Joy here and today I want to share my thoughts on the brand new Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. I've been using this lens for a while now, and it has quickly become one of my favorites. It's a great combination of speed, quality, and weight.

As a photographer, having a lens that focuses quickly and accurately is crucial. The Canon EOS R, which I use, has a beautiful head and eye detection, and the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 works beautifully with it. The focus is quick and the photos are sharp and crisp.

For those who are looking for a comparison between the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 and the EF 70-200mm, it's important to note that the RF lenses do not adapt to EF mounts. So, if you're looking to buy an RF lens, it's because you have an RF mount camera like the EOS R or one of the new cameras like the R5 or the R6.

One of the significant differences between the two lenses is their weight. The RF lens is lighter than the EF lens, coming in at 2.3 pounds vs 3.3 pounds. This might seem like a small difference, but it makes a big impact when you're carrying it around all day.

Another improvement is the image stabilization system. The RF 70-200mm f/2.8 has a more advanced system with 5 stops of stabilization, compared to 3 and a half stops on the EF 70-200mm. Pairing this lens with the R5 or R6, which also have image stabilization, will result in even better results.

Another difference between the two lenses is the number of aperture blades. The RF lens has 9 blades, compared to 8 blades on the EF lens. This small difference results in a smoother bokeh.

In conclusion, I would say that the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 is a great lens for photographers who want a high-quality lens that is also lightweight. It's fast, focuses accurately, and has a lot of advanced features. I use it all the time and highly recommend it. If you're looking for inspiration for your photography, be sure to download my free posing guide in the video.

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Meet Vanessa

Photography education that gives your art an edge

Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

She's a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 photographers in the United States, and her work has been published by Yahoo! News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder and more.

With her practical and open-book style of teaching, she shares everything she knows with hundreds of thousands of photographers as an educator and influential sparker.

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