Canon, more lenses like this, please!! I've just picked up one of these for my R5, and it's an absolute breath of fresh air. It'll be travelling with me where ever I go with my R5 from now onwards. Insanely light and low profile but with great IQ.

Omg just watched like 10 videos about this lens and none were as good as this. This video sold me on it, thank you for actually showing beautiful examples and not just talking about the lens with no proof! I almost didn’t care for the lens anymore and wasn’t going to buy it but now I am :)

@JamesReader

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I think you’ll love the lens.

@FlowzenKing

3 ай бұрын

He did the same for me, thank you for your video!

I was waiting a long time for an RF 28mm lens and this lens didn't disappoint! It pairs really nicely with the RF 50mm f/1.8 lens too for a travel/portrait set up.

@stefan4831

Күн бұрын

So true, what a fantastic low weight, relatively cheap and high quality full frame travel kit, especially paired with the R8

Thank you for this video, James. The RF 28mm f/2.8 I had picked up before you released this video based on Chris Frost's lens review. I used it on the R7. And your video just confirms how good this lens is. The RF 28mm f/2.8 can actually handle the 83.2 Mpix FF equivalent resolution of the crazy demanding R7 sensor. It is the only lens I own that can. I used it for street photography in Berlin on the R7 and took a shot of some of our group on a tower far away. Zooming in on the faces using DPP on the computer, the resolution limit showed to be the pixels of the R7 sensor. I was totally amazed. The f/2.8 - though I mostly shot f/8.0 - lets in enough light to make the R7 AF work reliably and be on focus. Not evident with the R7. This is such a good lens. Your videos convinced me to buy the R8 body while I already owned the R7. I was frustrated with the R7 for its indoor and low light lack of performance. You also pointed out the R7 was not so good for portraits. This video you made has a very special warm feeling and meaning to me now in many respects. We were on Madeira in January and I used the fantastic light R8 + RF 28mm f/2.8 combo for most of my shooting. And because TAP aren't very reliable with being on time, we hedged our bet with ... staying over in Lisbon and visiting it... I was shooting the same combo you did in the same places. The filter size of the 28mm f/2.8 is the same as the R7's 18-150 kit lens, so I was also able to use the polarizer I have for it. Beautiful, beautiful shots... Please forward my regards and respect to your wife for being a very patient and natural model, she gives this video that extra edge making it even more enjoyable.

@JamesReader

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the amazing comment Philippe. I’m so glad you’re loving the lens as much as I did. I loved using this combo in Lisbon too, I would love to see your shots from your time there if you have them posted anywhere. My wife appreciates the kind words too! We are hoping to visit Madeira this year, it looks incredible.

For me the ultimate daily life and travel lens, perfect match with my RP.

@yassinelamri9681

4 ай бұрын

do you miss the image stabilization for video? thinking about swapping my ef 35mm f2 is usm (+ adapter) with this one since its sooo small

@arjenijff1414

4 ай бұрын

@elamri9681I don't use video. But if you have IBIS it should be no problem

Loved the video. The 28mm is so versatile. 35mm and 28mm are probably the only lenses you need for environmental portraits , trave and street photography.

@Dmitrii_88

4 ай бұрын

24 1.8 is the BEST !!))

@mh7711

24 күн бұрын

@@Dmitrii_88 and with crop mode -> 38mm :)

I absolutely love the 28mm focal length, perfect between 24mm and 35mm

After I bought RF 28mm pancake, it has basically been glued to my R6mkii. Only downside for me is the lack of weather sealing.

@ralphsaad8637

9 ай бұрын

Also have an r6 mark 2 and can't wait to get this lens.

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

You’ll love it!

@davey3765

9 ай бұрын

I wish they had made this an L lens

@alexmaccape8411

9 ай бұрын

@@davey3765 I wish too.

@mh7711

9 ай бұрын

​@@davey3765with rain protextion and at least F2.0

very useful, thank you

I just love this channel.

@JamesReader

8 ай бұрын

Thank you Andrew!

Thanks James for the amazing video and the nice pictures. As usual very nice to hear your opinion on the new gear. Keep inspiring us

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Mohammed!

Ultimate travel bright lens and sharpest for any RF mount lens like 16/35 mm

instant like, I really enjoy all your lens review videos keep up your work!

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Another great video and review! 💯

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

I love this lens. I use RF 28mm with a little flash TTL, the Godox TT350 and a tiny trigger, the Godox X3. Little and high performance.

The 28mm focal range is MY go to "storytelling" lens! It just gives me just enough of everything I want and need for 99% of my workflow! I hope Canon releases a F/1.4 0r 1.8 version some time soon!

@mh7711

24 күн бұрын

Exactly! I want this, too! To have a better Leica Q3 :)

This and the 50 are my favorite lenses for the R8. So small and pretty great!

great quick review. grabbing one for my R5

@JamesReader

3 ай бұрын

You’ll love it!

Perfect to pair with the R8. Great walk around pocket sized setup

@JamesReader

3 ай бұрын

Agreed! Thank you for watching.

Thinking about picking up one of these for a trip to NYC at the end of the month and I think this may have sold me on it. Thanks for sharing!

Top notch Video as always. Good to have a "Beautiful Traveling Model" by your side. I should be receiving mine this Thursday from B&H Photo. Gonna test it out on my R6mkII at a local car show this weekend.

Thank you James for that review and the beautiful pictures and moody scenes! I waited so long for a lens like this as I was very tired to carry an L brick around my neck. I had it on the R5 this summer for a California family trip and it performed very good. It worked for me as I took the camera everywhere and took the iPhone just to check the time. I used it most @f8 - crispy sharp, but also wide open for environmental portraits. I wold like to see it in comparison with a L zoom lens or a more premium lens like the Sigma 28 f1.4 and see what is possible.

I've been shooting with Nikon DSLRs for a long time. I'm switching to mirrorless and was convinced to go with the sony a7c ii because I want light gear for travel and family. Your canon RF lenses reviews paired with the R8 are convincing me to go with Canon. Thanks for these great reviews!

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching! Both great cameras, that’s a tough decision.

@joshcruz6178

9 ай бұрын

The A7Cii is way better than the R8 in nearly every respect except ergonomics. I own an R6Mii and an A7C btw so it would have been easier for me to just grab the R8 too. But no, I preordered the A7Cii. This 28mm pancake lens is what now makes my R6Mii a joy to travel with btw!

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

@@joshcruz6178 the A7cii looks awesome. Very tempted to pick one up in the silver finish. So many great cameras right now

Wow Cool 🔥👏🏻

@JamesReader

7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Good stuff. Saw so many talking head videos about this lens, its great to see some real world examples. Funny enough, despite all the stuff Canon has put out for RF over the years, this and the 16mm are the first two that are making me thinking of making the switch. Now, if only they had a compact short tele like the Sigma 90mm f/2.8, that'd be my perfect 3 lens kit right there.

@JamesReader

8 ай бұрын

Thank you! Have you considered the 85mm f2? That’s reasonably compact.

Great video! Had I stayed with my R6 I would have totally bought this lens. Amazing little hockey puck of a lens!

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching! What camera did you get after the R6?

I just got the R8. I love it! Can you do a video of your set up on the R8 please?

I'm about to go on a trip and it will be my first trip with the 28mm pancake lens. I'm excited but a bit nervous too, due to the lack of IS. My camera is the R (no IBIS). Before this, I was using the 35mm a lot and I thought it was pretty dang good.

Loved the size of ef-m 22mm. This should be similar in size with RP R8 bodies. I will get one in half year when canon new lens 30 pct tax will go away.

dude i just bought this lens but needed a review for my needs as a portrait photographer and found this channel - subbbbbscribed haha

@JamesReader

19 күн бұрын

Thank you man! Hope you’re liking the lens. One of my favourites

@MeettheCreatives

17 күн бұрын

@@JamesReader yeah man it’s honestly phenomenal. Tack sharp too! I do a lot of event photography and have the 35 1.8 and the 24 mm and I almost like the results from the 28 better!

Another RF 28 / EF Sigma dual wielder! Great video. Similarly happy with the images, and surprised by the astro ability all the way to the edges of the frame for the price.

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Thank you Dan! Both great lenses! I’m a big fan of your channel by the way. I appreciate you watching

@DanYosua

9 ай бұрын

@@JamesReader Oh wow, thanks! Glad I found your vids 🙌

Спасибо за обзор, я себе купил Canon r8 и жду когда приедет ко мне rf 28mm. Очень жаль что я не знаю английского языка и приходится смотреть с субтитрами, приятный голос у вас и вы делаете хороший, качественный обзор, спасибо вам!

24 1.8 is THE BEST !)))

i really appreciate your sample photos with half and full body portraits, it really show practical "travel photography" . thank you! the photos are so pleasing, with just enough bokeh to be wayy better than phone, but not "commercially bokeh", if you know what i mean. but for video, i wish you sticked to the theme of light weight and budget option with the r8 or rp, as that's kind of the whole premise. if you could, vould you share a bit more for that usage? clips just like a simple snapshots of the place, stationary, 10- 20s for example. is the digital stabilization enough? thanks!

Nice shots!! Is this better than the 16mm 2.8 prime lens for landscape / Travel photography? do you always shoot at ISO 100?

Does the Canon EOS R8 have the same issue with HSS as the Canon EOS RP?

Hey James! That shot above the church with Castelo Branco on the screen, what was that shot with? Gorgeous motif!!!

Amazing review, thank you so much! Love your calm approach! I do have a question! If you were to choose between the 28mm f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.8 lens, which one would you take for travel purposes? ☺️

@JamesReader

7 ай бұрын

Thank you! That’s a tough one. I would probably take the 28mm most of the time, I really like the slightly wider focal length for the kind of travel shots I take. Both are definitely useful though!

@Ellendevroe1

7 ай бұрын

Thank you very much James!

So what recommendation do you have for a starter setup for couples/families and some landscape photography? Thank you in advance

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

For a prime on the RF mount I think the RF 35mm 1.8 is perfect for that use case! For a zoom, the 24-70 or 24-105 would be great.

It's a cool lens, but if you have a 24-70 or 24-105, is this worth adding to your bag? Would you ever pull it out of the bag?

What presets do you use?

Love this lens on my R5. Just wish canon did a7cr equivalent to pair it with. Will have another look at the R8 size, but still would like something a little more compact with ibis and a few more mp. But this lens on R5 is 😍😍😍

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

True, that would be awesome! Maybe we will see a compact version of the R5 Mark II.

@WestWightPhotography

9 ай бұрын

@@JamesReader now that would be awesome 👌

@the_wiki9408

9 ай бұрын

If you've never seen the R8 or Rp in person, they are really small. A7C is *barely* smaller, but actually a bit heavier than the R8. I Do agree IBIS would be nice. But they are also a lot cheaper than the A7C series.

@WestWightPhotography

9 ай бұрын

@@the_wiki9408 The lack of ibis, smaller battery, and the lack of buttons have always put me off, unfortunately. It's even had me thinking of moving across to Sony lol

How will it perform in a R50?

Hi James, again a very nice video. I appreceate your videos. So thanks for that at first. The focal lengh in this tiny body is a very interesting lens for many Canon RF users. So for me as well, because I am struggleing which focal length is better. The RF 24mm f1.8 or the RF 28mm f2.8😅. Looking forward to see your next Video 😃

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Quite similar focal lengths! I really like both lenses. Portraits and video I would probably recommend the 24. For everything else like travel etc, the 28mm is great!

@i.m_finn

9 ай бұрын

@@JamesReader Many thanks for your reply James 😀👍

@the_wiki9408

9 ай бұрын

24 and 28 are barely different in the real world and you could easily crop 24mm to 28mm, and usually scoot back a little to make 28mm work instead of 24mm. Just pick based on whether you want tiny size or f1.8, IBIS and Macro.

I love 28mm so much I now have 11 vintage lenses and the Sigma 28mm f1.4. I have bought most in 2023.

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Such a great focal length. That sigma is incredible

@classic.cameras

9 ай бұрын

Though its a big mofo and no hockey puck like this lens is. 🤣@@JamesReader

Great video! Why not use the EF 28mm f/1.8 ?

@JamesReader

8 ай бұрын

Thank you! I’ve never actually tried that lens, I will have to try it out.

I am buying this lens this weekend. Thanks

@JamesReader

Ай бұрын

I hope you love it as much as I do!

I wish there is a pancake 28mm f2.0 with this same form factor, it would be perfect for me

@JamesReader

9 күн бұрын

That would be a dream! Hope to see something like that from Canon soon

0:09 Why? Have you forgotten the RF 16/28, EF 40/2.8, the EF-S 24/2.8 and the EF-M 22/2?

Apsc camera ?

Thank you very much for this video. Could you do a comparative test between these two photo lenses = Canon RF 28 mm F2.8 and Canon RF 24 mm F1.8 IS stm Macro? would they be equal for landscape photos and for portraits and street photography ?

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

I’ve tested both quite a bit. For portraits I would recommend the 24 just for that wider aperture. Perhaps same for street if you like that style too. For landscapes they would be about the same and I believe the 28mm would be sharper but by the time you’re stepped down to f4-5.6 for landscape photography they will perform almost exactly the same.

@PHILGOODOK1

9 ай бұрын

@@JamesReader Thank you for your answers. So for Portraits and Street Photography do you think the RF 24 will be better than the RF 28 ?! Finally, there is RF 24 only for its lightness and compactness that the RF 28 would have an advantage ? I have a Canon RP (I would replace it later with the R8 I think...) and I find that the RF 24 is a little big and leans a little towards the RP, that's why I was considering replacing it with the RF 28, but now with what you're telling me, I might keep my RF 24 then...

brilliant review! Thanks for the video samples. I'm looking for a small video lens for my r8. Could you please provide the video settings from 8:11 to 8:30 and especially 8:20. Did you use electronic or post stabilization on your r8? The main question for me is can this lens be usable for handheld video (simple static shots, no walking) without ibis or any digital stabilization? Thanks❤

@JamesReader

6 ай бұрын

8:20 was with absolutely no stabilisation at all, just walking steadily so you can expect even smoother results with the EIS turned on.

@aleksandr2394

6 ай бұрын

@@JamesReader I'm not a big fan of EIS as it creates artifacts on slower shutter. Hopefully the 28mm will be wide enough for handheld static shots.

You're making me go crazy with all these awesome reviews. Just subbed earlier today and now I'm binging. I plan to get the R8. Would you advise to buy without the kit lens and save $ to use towards other lenses? For lenses I plan to get the 50mm 1.8 for sure but what should I pair it with out of the 35mm and 85mm? I really like to shoot stuff like you (mostly portraits, some landscape) Thanks so much!!

@dannymolns3573

9 ай бұрын

OR should I go with the 35 and 85 (no 50mm) ?

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Thank you man that means a lot! I think 35mm is the perfect focal length for travel and portraits. You can always add the 50mm and 85mm down the line.

@dannymolns3573

9 ай бұрын

@@JamesReader the aks for the replies man! I think I'm going to pick up the 85mm first! Then expand. I guess I'll have to get three: 85, 35 and 50!

Hi! Did you say that it performs like a canon rf L series zoom (like the 14-35 or 15-35)? Did I get you correctly? Thanks for your videos! They are very informative!

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

That’s correct! It gives a very similar performance to the 15-35 or 14-35.

@pierodavideleardi8006

9 ай бұрын

@@JamesReader woah, thanks. I would have never suspected that. I just got back to this beautiful hobby which is photography and my starting choices were a canon RP, the 50 1.8 and the 28 2.8! I'm still practicing and really find your videos very useful for us (beginners). 🙏

Would you still recommend getting a 28mm after having a 35mm & 20mm on my kit? both on f/1.4 so its quite heavy sometimes. I shoot mainly portraits, travel, lifestyle.

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Yeah I think the 24mm 1.8 or this 28mm would fit in quite well there. Especially as a smaller lightweight option. There’s a surprisingly big difference between 20mm and 24mm too.

@gsanchez922

9 ай бұрын

I had the 28mm f1.4 and now the rf 24mm f1.8 and I like it more than the 28mm

I wonder how fast can you swap the lens with others like 50/1.8, 16/2.8, or 85/2 ? I don't see the point bringing a dedicated camera if you stuck with just one lens while our phone got 3 already. 10 sec of awkwardness is enough to make me look like a dumb traveler. Lovely photos as always.

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

It's not too bad, I think the 28mm and 50mm is a great combo for travel. Still, a zoom like the 24-70 or 24-105 is the dream setup. Thank you for watching!

Another great video! Beautiful model, but why does she not smile on occasion?

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching!

LOVE form india

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@pulsar5351

9 ай бұрын

@@JamesReader i love your videos

Man this is really tempting.😢 I mean the size. How does it compare to the 24-70 @28MM?

@JamesReader

6 ай бұрын

I would say it’s just as sharp as the 24-70 at 28mm. It really is that good.

A experienced model, I saw her walking around, waiting for the shutter

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

She’s the best!

Very very beautiful country 😍😍 wonderful place 🥰🤩😻💋🙂😘 my dear friend 🙏❤️🌺💐 from Pakistan 🇵🇰

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Would you take this and 50 or this and a 16 or this and 16 and 50?

@JamesReader

Ай бұрын

Personally I would take this and the 50!

@VolleyballLyfe

Ай бұрын

@@JamesReader have you found you ever need a used a lens hood with this?

Came for the Canon.. Stayed for the Tudor 😅

Great review! If only this lens was weather sealed... haha Pancakes make that difficult though.

@JamesReader

8 ай бұрын

Thank you! Weather sealing would of made this lens perfect!

I was looking for a Gimbal lens for my EOS R, I think that this would fill my requirements.

Hmmm... I've got a RF16mm and a RF35mm. Wonder if I need this too.

@mh7711

24 күн бұрын

When you use crop mode for 16mm you get nearly 26mm, so, no :) I walk around with 14mm and 28mm for light traveling, but perhaps I change the 28mm for 35mm because of better bokeh, I didnt decided yet.

@stefan4831

Күн бұрын

​@@mh7711very big difference in weight between the 28 and the 35 and very different focal length so not comparable imo. I have the 16 and 35 but will now get the 28 for ultra light combo on my R8 so that I never have an excuse not to take my camera anywhere ;)

@mh7711

Күн бұрын

yes 28mm is soo small and lightweight, I love this. I decided, Instead of carrying heavy 35mm 1.4 I bought small rf 50mm 1.8 that I take with me sometimes, which takes place in bag without any problem. Just in case, for portraits. ​@@stefan4831

Why are you tapping your finger so hard on the shutter button 😳

@n578md2

7 ай бұрын

Because on the R8, the battery is so small, it cannot power the shutter release. So instead, Canon put a piezo-electric element under the shutter button. It works like a gas grill igniter so you have to push it hard for it to make enough amperage and voltage to release the shutter.

@user-kh4wz6kn9n

4 ай бұрын

​@@n578md2 😂😂😂

I'd NEVER buy an F2.8 prime unless it was 16mm or wider, or 200mm or longer.

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

That’s fair! For me it’s only worth it if it’s tiny, like this lens.

I hate 28mm focal length. Probably the most boring focal ever. Better go with a 24mm or a 35mm

@JamesReader

9 ай бұрын

I can understand that. I’m a fan personally. Thank you for watching

@caseybachmeyer

9 ай бұрын

what a great comment...really helpful. I take the focal length i need for the particular situation...12 mm. 14 mm. 16 mm. until 1600 mm...very easy story