I replaced my RF 24-70mm F2.8 with the smaller RF 16-28mm and 28-70mm F2.8 STM lenses, mainly for video. After using them for personal photography and paid work, I was very happy with the size, weight, and results.
Originally published on YouTube Feb 27, 2026.
Why these two zooms fit my kit
The wide zoom works well for a camera facing me, while the 28-70mm is useful for tighter and overhead video. Together they cover much of my studio YouTube work without making the rig heavy. For still photographs, I still use my RF 28-70mm F2 when I want that lens’s particular look.
Small handling details
Both lenses need to be rotated out of their retracted position before shooting. They also look similar enough that I use physical identifiers to tell them apart in a bag. Filters and a grippy step-up ring are part of my video setup.
Image quality in practical use
I found the results satisfactory for the way I work. My discussion of distortion concerns the corrected view and normal editing workflow, rather than uncorrected optical performance. This is a practical opinion after using the lenses, not a laboratory comparison.
Who I would recommend them to
They make sense to me for a lighter Canon hybrid kit, especially when video and travel matter. I liked the balance enough to move away from the larger standard zoom, while keeping other lenses for jobs that need a different look.
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