Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z

Testing so far points to Canon's sharpest 70-200mm and possibly its sharpest zoom: razor-sharp across the frame at f/2.8 at every focal length, with stopping down mainly clearing a little peripheral shading. Hands-on testing found strong sharpness edge to edge wide open, no visible ghosting or chromatic aberration, and only subtle corner vignetting that the camera corrects. With the 2x extender, results stayed sharp and stills AF stayed quick, and lab comparisons put the extended lens close to the RF 100-300mm f/2.8.

The fixed barrel feels more solid than the extending model and ends worries about sealing, and the iris ring, power zoom support and parfocal behaviour suit video work. The trade-offs are a launch price about 15% higher than the original RF 70-200mm f/2.8 and a much longer lens at 70mm, which makes the older model the better choice for travel. The iris ring sets the aperture for stills only on newer bodies such as the EOS R1 and R5 Mark II.

Owners are enthusiastic. Event, wedding and sports shooters praise fast, accurate tracking, sharpness wide open at every focal length and stabilisation good enough for slow handheld shutter speeds at 200mm. Several upgraded from EF 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses and say the RF Z is better, and one reports good stills results with the 2x extender.

The short zoom throw is a favourite feature. Complaints are the price, weight over a long event, and rings that can be hard to reach on a large rig. One owner notes that video AF slows a lot with the 2x extender and suggests the non-Z or f/4 version for buyers who don't need the Z's features.