Canon has announced the release of the RF28mm f/2.8 STM lens, marking a significant addition to its RF lens lineup. This groundbreaking lens stands as the first-ever “pancake” prime lens in the RF series, offering photographers a compact and portable solution without compromising on image quality.
The RF28mm f/2.8 STM lens is designed to seamlessly integrate with both full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras, delivering a large maximum aperture and exceptional image performance within a tiny form factor. With its introduction, Canon aims to unlock a world of creative possibilities for photographers, providing them with a lightweight and versatile lens option.
Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing at Canon Singapore, expressed his excitement about the lens, stating, “As the lightest, thinnest, and smallest prime lens in the EOS R ecosystem, the RF28mm f/2.8 STM is unobtrusive, seamlessly pairing with the camera body to unlock a world of creative possibilities. Despite its slim and compact profile, the RF28mm f/2.8 STM delivers exceptional performance and features that will appeal to a large segment of photographers.”
Weighing in at approximately 120g and measuring less than 2.5cm in length when retracted, the RF28mm f/2.8 STM lens lives up to its “pancake” moniker. Its slim and lightweight design barely adds any bulk to the camera, making it highly portable and convenient for photographers on the go. In fact, it is so compact that it can even be used as a replacement for a lens cap, ensuring minimal hassle when shooting in various environments.
The lens boasts an efficient optical layout consisting of three large-diameter plastic-molded aspherical lenses, resulting in exceptional sharpness and clarity across the entire image frame. The image quality provided by the RF28mm f/2.8 STM surpasses that of other notable lenses such as the EF40mm f/2.8 STM and RF50mm f/1.8 STM, which are widely recognized for their superior performance.
Thanks to its wide f/2.8 aperture, the RF28mm f/2.8 STM lens delivers not only beautiful bokeh but also the necessary speed to freeze fast-moving subjects and capture sharper handheld shots in low-light conditions. Its versatile 28mm focal length allows photographers to easily frame a wide range of scenes on both APS-C and full-frame cameras.
On full-frame cameras like the EOS R8 and EOS R6 Mark II, the lens offers a wide angle-of-view, making it ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and cityscapes with a balanced perspective. It also works well for portraits, allowing subjects to be positioned against a meaningful background without appearing too small within the frame.
For APS-C cameras such as the EOS R50 and EOS R7, the RF28mm f/2.8 STM lens provides a standard angle-of-view equivalent to 45mm on a full-frame camera. This focal length offers a natural perspective, facilitating easy composition. Moreover, it allows for comfortable half-body portraits to be taken from a reasonable distance, enabling effective communication with the subject without invading their personal space.
Canon has also introduced the Off-Camera Shoe Cord OC-E4A, which succeeds the Off-Camera Shoe Cord OC-E3. This multi-function hotshoe extension enables photographers to place hotshoe accessories, such as flashes and microphones, off-camera while maintaining stable communication. Both the camera connector and accessory connector of the OC-E4A feature dust- and water-resistant capabilities, comparable to Canon’s professional-grade EOS-1D series.
The RF28mm f/2.8 STM lens will be available for purchase from authorized Canon dealers starting from July 4, 2023. It carries a recommended retail price of $459, making it an attractive choice for photographers seeking a high-quality, lightweight lens that doesn’t compromise on performance.
