Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM

Is the shortest and lightest 70-200mm f/2.8 lens for full-frame cameras a fine performer? Michael Topham put it to the test with the Canon EOS R

- Michael Topham

The first time I set eyes on the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM was at the Photography Show last year, where Canon had its first sample on display behind glass. Waving my press pass in the right direction meant I was allowed to handle the mock-up. It was at this moment I became aware of how Canon had gone about making such a short and light 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom for interchangeable-lens cameras with a full-frame sensor.

Unlike L-series EF-mount zooms that cover the same focal length, this fast tele-zoom has an extending barrel, which measures 203mm long when extended to 200mm and a modest 146mm when fully retracted to 70mm. The questions this begs are: does this extending design in any way compromise optical quality, and has Canon been successful in delivering an exceptional multi-purpose lens for enthusiasts and professionals who use, or plan on switching to, the EOS R system?

Features

The lens is the third member of what Canon calls its ‘trinity’ RF line-up – three RF lenses that cover ultra-wide, standard and telephoto zoom ranges for shooting in practically any situation. The other two are the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM. However, it’s the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM that’ll garner most interest from those after a workhorse of a telephoto zoom with a good reach that’s well suited to weddings, sports or wildlife as well as everyday subjects.