Canon RF 28 - 70 f2 ... i am concerned about stabilization.

[Dmcd3055]

i am concerned that this lens does not have image stabilization. Worried about handshake at my age(70)

What have users experience been like? Looking to use this as a portrait and landscape lens.

Thanks

Don

[shadowsports]

Greetings ,

The 28-70 f2 does not have IS.  I'd say in general it's a very prized lens by those who own it.  What body are you using the lens with?  Does it have IBIS?  If not and you're prone to shakiness then that might be a concern.  

A 70mm maximum FL might be a little on the short side for portraits.  Typical focal range for portraits is 85 to 135.  Many people use a 70-200 as well. if you desire maximum stabilization, the RF24-70 f2.8 might be a better choice.

[Dmcd3055]

R 5

[Tronhard]

The hand shakiness is definitely a challenge and you have my sympathies.  I am fortunate to be 72 and my hands are very steady.  Still, I don't want you to miss out on a great lens so...

For the types of subjects you are considering: landscape and portraiture, you have the benefit of not having to deal with a dynamic subject, (such as sports) so I would suggest your best bet is to use a steadying device like a monopod, or tripod, then your physicality is out of the issue.

I really like a hybrid device, which it made by a company called iFootage and it's the Cobra.  It is a monopod with a the tripod section at the base, and it can be converted into either a monopod or a mini tripod, for mounting on a wall, table or low to the ground.   I have found it to be very steady (it's actually designed for video) and you need to get your own head - I use a SmallRig ball head, but the choice is yours. iFootage Cobra 2 C180 Monopod (ifootagegear.com). 

[p4pictures]

I have the RF 28-70mm F2 lens. I use it on R6 and R6 Mk2 cameras mostly. For portraits I find that I need 1/125 minimum shutter speed to avoid the blur from the person moving, and that combined with the IBIS means no sharpness problem. It is important to know that the lens is heavy 3.15 pounds or 1.43Kg and that might be more of an issue as it is double the weight of your EOS R5. Handholding 4 pounds / 2kg of camera and lens might make shake more likely. 

[Tintype_18]

Tripod or a monopod which is more portable.