behind the scenes feat. Louise Coquillard
Let’s talk about the RF28-70mm f2, a fantastic lens that has huge breathing issues. I noticed that on multiple shots I tried to get while filming 2 music videos A few weeks ago. Every time it went out of focus and back it looks like the lens is zooming in and out. I want to put this out there early on because this is the only thing I hate about this lens. Also, another important thing to mention, I had this lens in my hands for only 72h!
When you look at this lens closely, it is almost like having multiple primes with you. It’s fast, it is a unique feature. I don't know any other zoom lens out there that can open at f2… at least at the moment. You can grab that extra light and have a little more of that gooey bokeh. It can almost replace the 24 - 70mm lens. It is a versatile lens and can easily be your only lens for a lot of jobs.
I mentioned it earlier, I brought the RF28-70mm f2 with me during a video shoot. I was hired by french jazz pianist Gregory Ott to make 2 video clips and a few photos during the recording of his latest album. I cannot show you much of what we did because they are not been officially released yet. But I can show you a few pictures I made backstage and the quick portrait shots I did.
I didn’t have time to set up anything, no fancy lights, I had to create with what I had as I was only allowed to shoot during breaks. I used the available light and was very happy to be able to open it at F2.
Before returning this lens I was able to use it on one single photoshoot. Again, the lens was used with the EOS R5 inside the Chapelle des Carmélites in Toulouse where I met for the first time dancer Louise Coquillard.
I used the RF28-70mm f2 for the majority of the shots but we didn’t take many photographs because we had to experiment a bit. Nothing new in my work but I changed the way I usually create my photos with flying fabrics. Instead of having multiple assistants, this time I only had one!
In the end, it’s doable but, it takes way more time on location and much more work in Photoshop.
CANON EOS R5 & RF28-70mm f2 Broncolor Lights (SirosL 800ws) 28mm - 1/100sec at f/2 ISO 320
CANON EOS R5 & RF28-70mm f2 Broncolor Lights (SirosL 800ws) 28mm - 1/160sec at f/2 ISO 320
CANON EOS R5 & RF28-70mm f2 Broncolor Lights (SirosL 800ws) 28mm - 1/160sec at f/2 ISO 320
And as a bonus are 2 images I made with the EF135mm f4 Tilt-shift lens. When playing with the tilt, you are changing the plane of focus which gives this effect:
CANON EOS 1DXIII & TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO Broncolor Lights (SirosL 800ws) 1/160sec at f/4 ISO 500
CANON EOS 1DXIII & TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO Broncolor Lights (SirosL 800ws) 1/160sec at f/4 ISO 640
I won’t say anything more about this lens because, to be honest, 72h isn't enough for me for a review. I cannot give a definitive opinion based on only 2 sessions. My first impressions are great, but since I am planning on working almost exclusively with prime lenses, I am not sure if will have the opportunity to use it again. Only time will tell, we never know. So if there is anyone out there that currently owns this lens, tell us in the comments below, what are your thoughts about this one? Love it hate it? Why?