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Canon announces new RF 28-70mm F2.8. IS STM zoom lens

Canon announces new RF 28-70mm F2.8. IS STM zoom lens

DPReview News
Image: Canon

Canon has announced its new RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM lens, a light and compact mid-range zoom with a constant F2.8 aperture. According to Canon, the lens is designed for both photo and video use and should appeal to photographers, videographers, and vloggers.

Optically, the lens is built around 15 elements in 12 groups, including two UD (ultra-low dispersion) and two aspherical elements. Its image stabilization system features a newly designed IS unit that allows for a lighter, smaller lens. Canon says it can deliver 7.5 stops of stabilization at the center and 7.0 stops at the corners when mounted on a camera with in-body image stabilization, and 5.5 stops on cameras without.

Another innovation can be found in the lens' autofocus system, which uses a new lead screw-type STM motor with a magnetic sensor to read the motor's rotational speed. According to Canon, this allows it to increase the rotational speed of the motor while maintaining high speed and precision. It also features "incredibly minimal" focus breathing for video work.

Although not an L lens, Canon claims the RF 28-70mm F2.8 has weather-resistant construction equivalent to an L-series lens.

In its press materials, Canon refers to the RF 28-70mm F2.8 as its "new standard zoom lens" and that its combination of fast aperture and lightweight design could make it a good everyday or travel lens. Canon suggests it could also fill a niche as a 'step-up' lens for newer photographers who want to go beyond the kit lens that came with their camera but want something smaller or less expensive than the RF 24-70mm F2.8 or a faster aperture than the RF 24-105mm F4.

The Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM has a suggested retail price of $1099 and is expected to ship this month.

Press release:

Canon's latest releases: Versatility with RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM lens and portable printing with Selphy QX20 printer

MELVILLE, NY, September 12, 2024 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced the launch of two new products designed to enhance the creative possibilities for photographers, content creators, and everyday users through easily intuitive advanced features and flexibility: the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM lens and SELPHY QX20 compact photo printer.

The RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM lens is Canon’s new standard zoom lens, primarily for full-frame camera users, offering a widely-adjustable focal range from 28mm to 70mm with a constant F2.8 aperture. It excels in capturing a diverse range of images, from portraits and events to landscapes and low-light scenes. The lens features optical image stabilization, which offers up to 5.5 stops with IOS and 7.5 stops with IBIS + OIS, enhancing image stability. Its lightweight design and high performance make it perfect for everyday use, traveling on the go and for capturing moments through photos and videos.

The SELPHY QX20 is Canon’s newest wireless compact photo printer, offering high-quality printing in a portable design. Ideal for smartphone(1) users. It supports square-size format and Canon's new card-size format paper, catering to various creative needs including memory keeping, scrapbooking and crafting. The built-in battery and durable seal paper (for prints that may last up to 100 years(2)) make it a top choice for preserving special moments. Its borderless printing feature and dedicated app(3) simplify the process, allowing users to create personalized prints effortlessly.

The RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM lens is compact and ready to take anywhere, offering a versatile tool that can easily transition from capturing videos of your life to storytelling landscapes. Meanwhile, with the SELPHY QX20 printer, Canon is pushing the boundaries of what a compact photo printer can do. The integration of card-size and square-format printing options, alongside the durability of seal paper, not only meets but redefines user expectations for on-the- go photo printing.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM lens is available and scheduled to ship in September 2024, at estimated retail price of $1,099.00(4). The SELPHY QX20 is available and scheduled to ship inOctober 2024, at estimated retail price of $149.994 . For additional information, please visit usa.canon.com.

(1) Print from your compatible mobile device, download Canon's SELPHY Photo Layout application, available for free on the App Store and at Google Play. Compatible with iOS versions 17, 16, iPad OS 17, 16. Android™ smartphone and tablet versions 14,13,12,11.

(2) Canon cannot guarantee the longevity of prints; results may vary depending on printed image, display/storage conditions, and environmental factors.

(3) Available for free on the App Store and at Google Play. Compatible with iOS® versions 17, 16, iPadOS® 14, Android smartphone and tablet versions 14,13,12,11.

(4) Specifications, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. Actual price is set by individual dealers and may vary.

Canon EOS RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM specifications

Principal specifications
Lens typeZoom lens
Max Format size35mm FF
Focal length28–70 mm
Image stabilizationYes
CIPA Image stabilization rating5.5 stop(s)
Lens mountCanon RF
Aperture
Maximum apertureF2.8
Minimum apertureF22
Aperture ringYes
Number of diaphragm blades9
Optics
Elements15
Groups12
Special elements / coatings2 UD elements, 2 aspheric elements
Focus
Minimum focus0.27 m (10.63)
Maximum magnification0.24×
Physical
Weight495 g (1.09 lb)
Diameter77 mm (3.03)
Length92 mm (3.62)
SealingYes
Filter thread67 mm
Hood suppliedNo
Tripod collarNo