Review of the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM
FOTO KOCH was kind enough to provide me with the Canon RF 15 - 35mm f/2.8 L IS USM for a photo trip to the island of Helgoland. After having been able to capture many beautiful animal encounters with long focal lengths there for several years, it was time for a little personal challenge: wildlife and nature with a wide-angle lens.
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- Outstanding imaging performance over the entire focal length range
- Luminous intensity 1:2.8
- large zoom range from 15mm
- 5-stop optical image stabilizer
- Standard filter with 82mm can be used
- extremely fast Nano-USM autofocus motor
- Lens control ring
- ideal for reportage, landscape and architectural photography
- L-series dust and splash water protection
- suitable for Canon EOS R full-frame cameras
Picture: Marc JeworrekThe exterior of the Canon 15-35mm
The lens presents itself in elegant black plastic and the typical red ring of the L series, rounded off with the convincingly well-fitting RF mount, which, like the rest of the lens, is dust and splash-proof. At 840 g, the lens sits comfortably in the hand - however, when looking in my photo backpack, with a diameter of just under 9 cm and a length of around 13 cm, a few "modifications" were necessary to ensure that the lens could be safely stowed away. The scope of delivery includes a lens hood, a matching lens bag and a lens cap. The filter diameter is 82 mm.
Picture: Marc Jeworrek
Picture: Marc JeworrekThe control rings are easy to operate and run smoothly and without jerking, making the lens ideal for filming. The new RF lens control ring provides pleasant haptic feedback. The Lens has switches for switching between autofocus and manual focus as well as for image stabilization. In AF mode, this can be overridden by turning the focus control ring. A little "fun fact" or rather something new for me: the Lens is "retracted" at 35 mm. If you zoom "out" to 15 mm, the tube extends accordingly - the Lens grows, while the focal length shrinks.
Picture: Marc JeworrekImaging performance +amp; autofocus
The sharpness and imaging performance, including the peripheral areas, is first class. The performance of the autofocus was also absolutely convincing for me: compared to RF telephoto zooms, it is even faster and much more accurate, so that you can still rely on it even after sunset - still my personal highlight with the introduction of the RF series.
Picture: Marc Jeworrek
Conclusion
All in all, the Canon RF 15 - 35mm f/2.8 L IS USM makes a very good impression: the weight and feel are pleasant, the autofocus is outstanding and the sharpness and imaging performance leave nothing to be desired. Anyone who enjoys wide-angle to reportage photography will get their money's worth with this Lens, even in the most adverse lighting conditions.
However, cost is once again my main point of criticism, which runs through the entire RF series: In my personal opinion, the trade-off between the latest technology and top-notch autofocus compared to solid lenses from previous series does not fully succeed. In addition, considering the price, the plastic used unfortunately does not look as high-quality as aluminum or magnesium alloys, even if this is largely responsible for the low weight.
