Starting Out | RF Photography Lenses

Even though I just blogged about this last year, I feel I should do an update! Although I still have, and love my EF L lenses, I have begun to branch out with my RF lenses and as Ive been loving them, I am happy to share!

• Canon RF 28-70mm f2.8 IS STM – I bought this one used (and on sale) from Henry’s – my reason for trying this lens, is that its 28-70 f2.8 – so a perfect lens for indoor use as I can open up with natural light to f2.8. This is also a great light all purpose lens as it can go from 28mm to 70mm. You can see some test shots with this lens here. Within the same post is also some test images of the 15-30.
• Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM – I bought this one used (and on sale) from Henry’s as I wanted a wide RF lens for wide angle landscape shots. I plan to use this one similar to the next one, when shooting landscape my minimal aperture will be 6.3 if zoomed in and truthfully if its landscape I want as much details as possible so even though at 15mm I could shoot at 4.5 – I will for sure stop down so that more of the photo is in focus. The images within this post were taken with this lens.
• Canon RF 24-240mm f4-6.3 IS USM – I bought this lens new from Henry’s before our trip to Halifax last year. Although hesitant, as my EF L lenses are all fixed aperture of f2.8 or f4 etc I am so happy I took the leap. This is a fantastic travel lens. When out and about I simply set my aperture to 6.3 and then I am free to shoot and trust the images will work out. I LOVE that it goes from 24-240 – the image results are breathtaking as well! I primarily used this lens on our tip. Check out the images here.
• Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM – My first RF lens! I bought this one with my Canon RP, what I love about it is the macro capabilities and the aperture can be wide open at f1.8 – amazing for low light and indoors. This lens is very affordable and produces beautiful images. There is a couple examples of the 35mm in this post too.
• Canon RF 85mm f/2.0 IS STM Macro – My newest lens, if you know me you know I LOVE a good macro, adore it actually, it makes me melt the images are soooo delicious! This lens, highly recommend! I love the extra reach from the 35mm and the creamy background is just beautiful! Check out images taken with this lens here.
• Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens Kit – I just actually sold this lens, this came with my R6MII and although it is a very sharp fantastic lens, as I purchased the 24-240 last year and the 28-70 for lower light, it was a redundant lens. I am truly SO excited for the new owner of this lens. A couple girls who are hobbyist photographers like me, and are beginning to photograph some friends weddings. My heart was so full watching them look it over and test it out! The excitement of new to you camera gear is so fulfilling, even to watch someone else get so excited!

The image below is a great example of the capabilities of the RF 35mm f1.8!
You can see more in my portfolio here!

As a hobbyist photographer artist, as much as I adore the L lenses, I went with the more budget friendly lenses, this took me time to decide as I am used to the quality of the L lenses. If you are thinking of upgrading from your DSRL. Consider taking a gentle step, speaking from experience my mirrorless camera came with an adapter so I could use my EF lenses, this is awesome because it gives you time to decide what you really need, want and desire. Although a lot of my lenses do over lap, I specifically wanted to test these lenses for weight and quality – when traveling I need and desire something lighter and produces the quality images with it. I am extremely happy to say, these lenses do it!

With the RF lenses that I have, what is exciting is that with the size and weight of the cameras and lenses, I can carry all of them in my one big bag – which for travel is perfect!!!

What is missing? Not much as when I am at home, I have my EF L lenses with the adapter to use – which include my bigger zoom lenses – 70-200 f2.8L (used for hockey games) and my 100-500 f4-6.3. I honestly would like to eventually get the 100-400mm zoom at some point. I was considering the 100-500 and 200-800 however the cost, is a huge deterrent – even used for the 100-500 its still almost $2900 cdn. When I was shooting with my DSLR all the time, there was a drastic quality improvement of the L lenses from the “kit” lenses. The kit lenses offer a wonderful starting point to learn and figure out what photography is for you and how you may want to grow in the future!

Curious about all the RF lenses offered by Canon, check out this comprehensive list HERE!