Canon RF 70-200 f/2.8 Z versus...

[Kayaker72]

Bryan is already on record calling the Canon RF 70-200 f/2.8 Z the sharpest lens he's ever tested as of the time of the review.

To give further comparisons to this, I just watched a video from Gordon Liang comparing the RF 70-200 f/2.8 (original), RF 70-200 f/2.8 Z, and RF 100-500. All very sharp lenses.

The takeaway is both a testament to extenders and the RF 70-200 f/2.8 Z. The quick summation, assessing sharpness/rendered detail:

• 70-200 Z > Original RF 70-200 > 100-500 at all native equivalent focal lengths
• 70-200 Z + 1.4xTC > 100-500 at all equivalent focal lengths
• 70-200 Z + 2xTC ~= to 100-500 at all equivalent focal lengths.
• Not for nothing, but a nice screen shot of 500 mm, 700 mm equivalent, and 1000 mm equivalent from the 100-500L w/ and w/o extenders showing the benefit of extenders.

I have been playing with the idea of the RF 70-200 Z to be used with extenders and replace several other lenses (along with the RF 100-300). I haven't pulled the trigger on anything and have no intention too for a while.

But Gordon's conclusions are a bit more clear than what I have seen in Bryan's data. For example:

• 70-200 Z +1.4TC and 100-500 at 280/300 f/5.6. To me, this is equivalent. Maybe the Z takes it in the corners, but that is close.
• 70-200 Z + 2xTC and 100-500 at 400 mm f/6.3, here they agree, about as equal as you can get.

Of course, the 100-500 goes to 500 mm, has 100-500 mm available all at once, and AF speed/accuracy was not tested. On the flip side, the Z with extenders has wider maximum apertures.

It gets interesting. I am tempted by all three lenses. Yet, I am not having issues with my current kit, so I keep shooting.

[Busted Knuckles]

Just finishing my Africa trip and the 100-300 was the perfect lens. Too many early a.m./late pm shots to be had for anything slower than a 2.8. Really spent the vast majority of time at 300. Didnt use the 2x tc at all. The 24-105 was at 105 nearly all the time a few wide shots.

I offer this as an check on reach.

[Jonathan Huyer]

I have the 70-200 f/2.8 Z and I really like it. I haven't given it a 'proper' test as of yet, but that is coming up soon with a bear trip. I really like the light weight and the handling. The zoom is so smooth and quick! It's the exact same size as the 24-105 f/2.8 which is interesting. But it's a lot lighter.