Testing the RF 24-70 f2.8L Lens: My Experience

The long weekend, after out on a walk with my dog, I returned to my vehicle and sadly upon opening the door my bag shifted when I was removing my 180mm macro lens and the lenses fell to the rocks. My 50L was repairable – thankfully, its a beauty lens! Its honestly one I don’t use much, so I am not sure if it wasn’t repairable if I would have replaced, but its also one of those lenses that, especially at f1.2, is incredible in low light, the bokeh is fantastic!

I had the new RF 24-105 f4L in my cart when I realized it was back ordered…

I kept checking the used section at Henry’s as well as their selection of gear is remarkable, they also come with a warranty. I personally insure my lenses at the replacement cost, although if you are reading this and you also do that – please review the values as I did a few years ago and they have changed significantly… I honestly did learn the hard way, however such is life!

Then one morning, refreshing the Used Canon RF webpage on my phone I saw it…

They had a 24-70 f2.8L lens available – I could push my budget just a little bit more I could get it… I got it!

Why did I choose the 24-70 f2.8L over waiting for the 24-105 f4L and saving about $500…

1. It was in stock – the 24-105 was sometime in July.
2. 24mm at f2.8 and 70 mm also at f2.8 – its a very versatile lens. I was never actually ever going to consider this lens, one due to the cost of it, and two because I do have the RF 28-70 f2.8 STM that I got last year before a trip. Being able to open up at 24mm vs 28mm – to some its not much, it can be though.
3. Seeing this lens available reminded of when I had the EF 24-70 f2.8L years ago, when the kids were young and the incredible bokeh in the images.
4. Ive been eyeing up the R7… for a while now. I love my R6MII – love it, its an incredible full frame camera. Being someone who also loves macro, wildlife, birds etc… getting a bit more extra reach with a crop sensor x1.6, had been on my mind since last year. I know I won’t be replacing any of my larger zooms anytime soon and lets be real, even though they are the EF lenses, they are all L and the quality and colour of the images is outstanding. So to balance that out… I will have a new blog post next week ;)
5. My equipment is a true investment in my passion – for me! My 5DMIII was my main camera for 12 years – even as a hobbyist my camera’s and lenses get a lot of use. Truthfully I love multiple bodies and lenses for the various things I may be shooting. So what I buy today, chances are will be here in 10 years!

Testing my new to me RF 24-70 f2.8L – these images are all Straight out of the Camera – except the black and white. SOOC are not edited in anyway. I wanted to test the colours, the bokeh and needless to say, I love it! The RF STM lenses I have are good quality, but if you have shot with the L lenses… you know this feeling! ;)

I LOVE the SOOC colours of the L lenses – they truly are unique!

I am so incredibly happy with the SOOC images, the colour the bokeh, just incredible! Especially after being so sad after the fall. Then seeing the 24-105 was back ordered. Ah this lesson in trust, expands in to all areas of our life ;) Thank you Universe for the pass! For the pure beauty of the 24mm this may spend most of its life on my R6MII!

If there is one thing that I have learned, in life, but especially in 2020 is that life happens – sometimes quick, sometimes happy, sometimes devastating, sometimes the best moment of your life – it happens. So never deny yourself the absolute pleasure in life – whatever that may be – that aligns with your heart and soul.

I am grateful for a husband who gets this, both ways. Who we are gracious towards together, understanding although we have similar loves and interests, its what we also have a passion for individually that is our true soul.

‘Go for it baby’, so I did and I love it!

One more because I also love this one… SOOC isn’t it fabulous!!!

I am now debating about selling my RP and my RF 15-30mm lens. I do love my RP, its a fabulous little camera – I refer to it as my point and shoot. Do I sell, or do I keep for that reason – smaller camera to (gently) throw in my bag. The RF 15-30mm I am honestly just not vibing with. I purchased it used, I used it on my RP while we were in Nova Scotia, I am just not that impressed with the quality of the images with this lens. Shooting at 16mm is awesomely wide, and is quite the difference to 24mm – however I really do think 24mm whether with my 24-70 f2.8L or my 24-240 Travel lens – would probably do… but Im not yet convinced. I purchased it used last year, I should push myself to test it more before making a decision! Especially when the passionate photographer in me, would have loved to have all my camera’s on my journey on my shelf, that brought me to where I am – which I love!

As a photographer what do you think?