If there ever was a focal length that manufacturers often overlook, it’s the reliable 28mm prime lens. While ultra-wide lenses are dynamic and 24mm lenses are more versatile, the 28mm range is my preferred focal length for street photography with just one prime lens. It allows you to capture more of the story or crop down for a tighter view. Additionally, 28mm lenses are typically compact and well-designed in terms of optics. The new Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 is no exception.
Announced alongside the R100 in May, this new lens weighs a mere 4.25 ounces (121 grams), making it a true pancake design that can be taken anywhere. It’s the perfect lens to attach to a compact Canon body and use as the sole lens for the day. Despite its lightweight construction, the 28mm lens features a metal mount, though it does not have weather sealing. The lens has a selector switch and a thin control ring, with a nicely finished metal control ring at the front. This ring offers three selectable options: full manual focus, autofocus (which disables the ring), and the ability to use it as a customizable control dial. Despite its thin size, the metal ring is well-damped and easy to use, and the front elements are tiny, eliminating the risk of fingers getting in the shot while manipulating the control ring.
In the field, the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 performs well as a wide-angle lens, but it doesn’t excel as a close-up lens. It doesn’t focus close physically, so a flower shot would usually include the entire plant. However, you can achieve a relatively shallow depth of field when getting up close to your subjects, creating interesting shots with a wide-angle perspective. It’s important to note that this lens is not a macro lens.
In terms of handling bright light sources in the frame, the Canon lens coatings of the 28mm f/2.8 resist washed-out flare and loss of contrast. When stopped down, there may be some minor green-colored ghosting, but overall, it performs well. While the lens doesn’t come with a hood, it doesn’t seem necessary. As for video work, the lens is a mixed bag. It has smooth manual focus but exhibits lens breathing, which refers to the change in field of view when focusing from near to far. This effect is noticeable when using the lens for videos. However, due to its compact nature, it is suitable for use on a floating gimbal.
In terms of sharpness, shooting at f/2.8 produces somewhat soft images at both the center and corners, though still usable. To achieve maximum detail, it is recommended to stop down the lens, such as to f/4. Overall, the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 provides an ultra-compact and much-needed wide-angle option for the RF system. It’s affordable at $299 and would be an ideal travel companion or everyday lens. There aren’t many alternatives available, so if you’re looking for a compact, 28mm prime lens, this is the only choice.