Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM Lens

2025-06-20T20:00:00

Many years ago, when I used to own the Canon RP I said to myself, "If Canon ever made an RF pancake lens with a field of view similar to a smartphone camera, and if they don't charge an arm and a leg for it, I'll buy it immediately." They did, and so I did. This lens is a game changer for motorcycle day trips, hiking, and backpacking adventures where space and weight are at a premium. It's also amazingly sharp, which is great.

Bryant P.

Originally posted at

2025-02-22T03:00:28

I don't usually write reviews, but this little lens brings me so much joy that I just have to share how much I love it. Guys. This thing is less than FIVE OUNCES. It weighs next to nothing! I keep this on my R8 and carry the camera around in my hand (connected to a wrist strap) any time I go on adventures with my kids (which is quite often), and I can take pro-quality snapshots almost as fast as I can with my phone. This focal length is the same as my iPhone camera, but the photos I am producing are several orders of magnitudes better (even when I am just shooting small jpg images), and I am smitten with it! Before switching to mirrorless and then before this lens, I was mostly only using my camera for special occasions and paid shoots. Now, because of how light my R8+28mm system is and how versatile the 28mm focal length is for day-to-day shooting, I am using it all the time, and it's so satisfying! I suppose some could complain that the aperture only opens up to 2.8, but for my purposes, this hasn't been an issue. I don't think I would ever really use this in a professional portrait shoot unless I wanted a wide photo of something (people just look better with a 50 or an 85), but for the ordinary life stuff, this is on my camera almost constantly. Shooting a larger group wide open with this lens does seem to make the people on the edges look a little distorted, so I have learned simply not to frame my photos so that there are people too close to the edges if I am shooting at 2.8. Possibly worth noting that I initially ordered the 35 1.8 (which is bulkier but has a lot more features), but I returned it to exchange for this one and I haven't looked back for even one second. I love this super-light 28 soooo much more! If you're looking for a day-to-day lens that will make you want to use your camera for everything without the fatigue of carrying a heavy setup, please accept my hearty recommendation for this 28 combined with the R8. I am using my camera so much more than ever before, and I can't stop gushing about it! A resounding 5/5 stars from me!

Jennifer H.

2025-02-11T19:00:00

The biggest benefit of this lens is how compact it is. It makes the size of your R camera + lens much closer to that of a cell phone and can easily be stuffed in a pocket when you are on the go. It allows you to use your R camera in places where even a moderate sized lens might draw too much attention such as events which prohibit cameras with detachable lens or the streets of Medellin where a big camera hanging off your neck will get snatched. That being said, it consistently takes sharp, bright photos and is attached to my camera probably 90% of the time. I will replace it immediately if it ever were to fail.

Jimmer

Originally posted at

2025-01-23T06:49:39

Serious lens in a tiny format, with a nice price. Perfect for my lightweight goals with my Canon R8. I can slip the camera and lens with a clutch strap into my ski jacket. Canon we need more pancakes! Even without IBIS I am getting great shots indoors with this thing. Don't need f1.8 with a lens so small.

Jason B.

2024-10-30T20:00:00

It's a very decent lens. I purchased a refurbished one. I think the STM motor on this lens is just a wee bit loud but nothing that can't be processed out in post processing when filming videos.

Leotech3984

Originally posted at

2024-08-28T20:00:00

What a fun lens. I recently purchased this lens to make my R6 more of an everyday carry camera and it's perfectly done that. I have taken so many more photos for fun and it's given me more inspiration to take photos with my more expensive lenses too! I love how compact it is. The photos are sharp, bright (f2.8 is pretty decent), and the 28mm is plenty wide for most everyday things.

Brett R.

Originally posted at

2024-07-28T08:11:27

I really enjoyed this lens more than I thought I would. Light, takes great photos on my R8 and isn't as obtrusive as my larger lenses are. Good for evening and urban adventures.

Nick H.

2024-07-17T08:17:39

Great travel lens!

COREY D.

2024-07-09T20:00:00

This is a great choice for the R-series APS-C Cameras (models R100 & R50). It gives you almost a classic 50mm focal length, but even better - makes your camera into an awesome slim & lightweight package for travel photography as your camera can more easily fit into a smaller bag or make your gear-layout to have that additional 'super-zoom' lens sitting right next to your camera inside your bag.

Gregory M.

Originally posted at

2024-02-14T19:00:00

I just got this lens for my r50 because of the compact size and pairs well with the smaller body if the r5o, excellent lens great image quality. Highly recommend

Mike22

Originally posted at

2024-02-07T16:35:49

This lens is FANTASTIC. It's so small and light that I find myself carrying my camera far more often, but image quality is good enough that it doesn't feel like a big compromise. I'll stick it in a pocket when shooting wildlife, in case I want any landscape shots. It's also a great for hiking, since it's easy to forget it's there.

Evan P.

2023-07-13T08:10:36

Best compact lens so far! I literally bring my r5 everywhere everyday. It fits into my bags and hanging on my neck doesn't bother either

GYEONG J.