Canon has announced a new full-frame RF mount 28mm f2.8 STM prime lens. This very compact lens is commonly referred to as a pancake lens due to its flat shape.
Compact design from Canon
The Canon RF 28mm STM prime lens is very compact, measuring only 2.7 inches (68.2 mm) in diameter and just an inch (24.7 mm) in length. It’s also lightweight, weighing only 4.2 ounces (120 g). Despite its diminutive size, the lens still has a wide maximum aperture of f2.8. This means the lens will have a good low-light performance, and you can get a shallow depth of field when you want it.
How is the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM’s focus?
The Canon RF 28mm STM prime lens has a combined control and focus ring. This means you can easily adjust settings and switch to manual focus when you need. Due to the size of the lens, there is no focusing scale. In addition, the STM autofocus motor is quiet, so you won’t have to worry about picking up motor noise on your audio. The minimum focus distance is only 9.1 inches (23 cm).
Optical design
The Canon RF 28mm STM prime lens has eight lens elements in six groups. These include three high-precision plastic molded aspheric elements, giving excellent rendering capability and compactness. The new lens also has a 75-degree angle of view and is equivalent to a 45 mm full frame lens when used on a camera with an APS-C or super 35-mm sensor. The filter size is 55 mm.
What we think
Pancake lenses are so lightweight and compact that some people use them instead of a body cap on their cameras. It means your camera is always ready to go the moment you lift it out of your bag, so you won’t miss those spur-of-the-moment shots. The 28mm STM prime lens is also a great choice for gimbal use, as it will keep your camera setup light and easy to balance. There are lenses with wider maximum apertures, but they are larger, heavier and cost a lot more. Whether you shoot with a full frame or an APS-C camera, the RF 28mm STM lens is a great everyday lens.
Pricing and availability
The Canon RF 29mm f2.8 STM full-frame prime lens is set for release in July and will retail at $299.
