The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM delivers professional-grade flexibility for photographers working across multiple genres. This L-series standard zoom combines a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture with 5-stop optical image stabilization, a first for Canon's 24-70mm f/2.8 lineup. Built for the RF mount system, it handles everything from environmental portraits to documentary work with consistent sharpness and reliable performance in changing light.

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is a versatile, high-performance lens offering a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout its zoom range, ideal for professionals seeking impeccable image quality.

The Canon RF 24-70mm lens' Nano USM motor ensures quick, silent, and precise autofocus, suitable for both stills and video. Its optical design incorporates three aspherical and three UD elements, reducing aberrations and providing impressive sharpness. Additionally, the Canon RF 24-70mm lens offers weather-sealing, guarding against dust and moisture, and a customizable control ring, allowing easy adjustment of settings. For the full range of Canon's RF mount system, browse our Canon Cameras and lenses & accessories.

Key Features of the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

This lens addresses two long-standing needs for professional photographers: constant f/2.8 speed across the zoom range and reliable image stabilization for handheld work. With 21 optical elements arranged in 15 groups, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM maintains edge-to-edge sharpness while keeping size and weight manageable. The Nano USM autofocus system tracks subjects smoothly for both stills and video, with minimal focus breathing during recording.

The 5-stop image stabilization opens up shooting possibilities that previously required a tripod. Combined with the large-diameter RF mount's short back focus distance, this lens captures detailed images across all focal lengths, even in challenging lighting conditions.

• Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture across 24-70mm range
• 21 elements in 15 groups with 9-blade aperture diaphragm
• 5-stop optical image stabilization (first for Canon's 24-70mm f/2.8 lens)
• Nano USM autofocus system for fast, near-silent operation
• Minimum focusing distance: 0.69 ft./0.21m (wide), 1.25 ft./0.38m (telephoto)
• Maximum magnification: 0.30x for close-up versatility
• Three aspherical elements and three UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) elements
• Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to minimize flare and ghosting
• Customizable control ring for direct exposure adjustments
• 12-pin communication system for high-speed data processing
• Dust- and weather-resistant construction
• Fluorine coating on front and rear elements
• 82mm filter thread
• Weight: 900 grams (31.7 oz.)

Optical Performance and Image Quality

Canon's RF mount design allows for optical configurations that weren't possible with DSLR lenses. The RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM takes advantage of this with strategically placed aspherical and UD elements that control aberrations from center to corner. Air Sphere Coating on internal elements reduces flare when shooting toward light sources, a practical benefit for event and wedding photographers working with mixed lighting.

The lens maintains consistent sharpness across the zoom range, with particularly strong performance at 50mm where most photographers spend significant time. At 24mm, the broader center zone is sharp wide open at f/2.8, with corners improving noticeably when stopped down to f/5.6. The 9-blade circular aperture creates smooth bokeh for portrait work while maintaining enough structure to avoid harsh transitions.

Autofocus and Stabilization Performance

The Nano USM system combines the speed of ring-type ultrasonic motors with the smoothness of stepping motors. Focus acquisition is fast for stills, and the system transitions smoothly during video recording with reduced focus breathing. Full-time manual focus override lets you fine-tune focus without switching modes. This is useful when working with precise depth of field requirements.

Image stabilization rated at 5 stops means you can handhold at shutter speeds that would typically show camera shake. In practice, many photographers find they can shoot at 1/4 second or slower at 70mm and still get sharp results. This opens up options for available light work without raising ISO or adding motion blur.

Build Quality and Handling

The RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM weighs 900 grams, similar to the previous EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, but with the added benefit of image stabilization. The lens barrel is weather-sealed at key points to protect against dust and moisture, though it's not rated for submersion or extreme weather. The extending inner barrel when zooming to 70mm is typical for this class of lens.

The control ring at the front of the lens barrel can be assigned to various functions through the camera menu: aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation being common choices. Canon service centers can remove the click stops from this ring for a smoother, quieter adjustment during video work, though there's a service fee for this modification.

Compatible Accessories and System Integration

The 82mm filter thread accommodates standard circular filters, an important consideration when building a kit, as this is a common size for professional lenses. The lens ships with a hood and soft case for basic protection, though many photographers upgrade to dedicated lens cases & pouches for better protection during transport.

The RF mount's 12-pin communication system enables fast data exchange between lens and camera. This accelerates autofocus performance, improves image stabilization coordination with in-body systems, and enables the Digital Lens Optimizer to apply corrections in real-time. When used with EOS R cameras featuring in-body image stabilization, the lens and camera work together for even more effective shake reduction.

Who This Lens Is For

The RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM handles the core focal range that many photographers depend on daily. Wedding and event photographers benefit from the combination of low-light capability and stabilization for handheld shooting in venues where tripods aren't practical. Portrait photographers appreciate the consistent f/2.8 aperture for controlling depth of field across the zoom range. Documentary and editorial photographers value the flexibility to move between environmental shots at 24mm and tighter framing at 70mm without changing lenses.

Video shooters gain smooth, quiet autofocus with minimal breathing, plus image stabilization that reduces shake without the bulk of external gimbals. The control ring integration speeds up exposure changes during recording.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens Support Manual Focusing?

Yes, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens offers manual focusing, allowing photographers to carefully adjust focus for greater control over the sharpness and clarity of shots. This feature is particularly beneficial for capturing detailed and macro shots, where precision is paramount, or when shooting in challenging conditions where autofocus may struggle.

Does the Lens Have a Filter Thread, and What Is Its Size?

Yes, the Canon RF 24-70mm lens is equipped with a filter thread, allowing photographers to attach various filters for enhanced creativity and image protection. The designated filter size for the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is 82mm, accommodating a wide range of available filters.

What Makes This Different from the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II?

The RF version adds 5-stop image stabilization, which the EF version lacks. It also offers higher maximum magnification (0.30x vs. 0.21x) and slightly improved peripheral sharpness. The RF lens uses the newer Nano USM autofocus system and includes the customizable control ring. For EOS R series cameras, the RF version provides better integration and performance.

Can This Lens Work on APS-C EOS R Cameras?

Yes, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM works on both full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras. On APS-C bodies like the EOS R7 or R10, the effective focal length becomes approximately 38-112mm (1.6x crop factor). The lens performs well on these cameras, though the field of view changes.

How Does the Image Stabilization Perform?

The 5-stop rating means you can typically use shutter speeds 5 stops slower than you'd need for a sharp handheld shot without stabilization. In practice, this often means shooting at 1/4 to 1/8 second at 70mm while maintaining sharpness. Results vary by photographer and shooting conditions, but the system consistently delivers measurable improvement.

Shop the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM at Samy's Camera

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM combines professional-grade optics, practical image stabilization, and thoughtful handling in a lens built for daily use across multiple photography disciplines. 

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