Photography Blog: And the Changes Keep Coming

Friday, September 13, 2024

And the Changes Keep Coming

Just when I think I have my gear plans figured out Canon introduces a surprise lens that both messes up, and fits in perfectly, with those plans. I don't even have the results of my latest transaction yet as I await the RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM lens for which I traded three cheaper lenses, the 16mm, 28mm and 50mm STM lenses.

The new lens, which wasn't even rumored before Canon announced it yesterday, is an RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens that is compact, lightweight and affordable. It is not an L lens but is weather sealed in the manner of an L lens. I will not be able to resist this lens at some point. [UPDATE 10/5/24: After seeing some image quality samples from this lens at https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1708 my interest has cooled considerably.] [FURTHER UPDATE 10/16/24: After reading the completed review at The Digital Picture and after selling my R6, I did go ahead and order the lens. The weather sealing and having the 50-70mm focal length range added to the kit convinced me.]

It messes up my current plans in that I will need a different bag solution from what I have planned for the two bodies and three prime lenses. It fits in perfectly with my current plans in that with the zoom lens on one body and either the 24mm or 85mm lens on another I will have a great setup for all kinds of situations.

What do I gain over my previous combination of RF 14-35mm and 24-105mm f/4 L zooms? Size, weight and light gathering ability. With no loss, and maybe a gain, in image quality.

I will have the 24mm lens in hand shortly and until then I have the 35mm and 85mm versions, each attached to one of my camera bodies. Here are some shots from this morning.