Used Canon EF + Adapter 24-70 f2.8 L mkii or New Canon RF 28-70 f2.8?

[exeoe4]

So would I be crazy to go for an adapted used (but in good condition) EF lens with them going the way of the dodo, instead of something new and light like the 28-70 f2.8?

I'd assume the older L lens would still offer great image quality and weather sealing but I'm not sure if there's any downside as it's not an RF lens.

Prices are essentially the same!

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

You didn't say what body you have but if you want a lens with IS you'll want to buy the RF version as the original EF 24-70 does not have IS.  

If you purchase a body with IBIS, this isn't so much of an issue. However, the original EF 24-70 can be prone to flex cable ribbon failure.  That's not to say yours would fail but this lens has a proclivity for it.  Especially as it ages.

There is nothing wrong with the RF 28-70 F 2.8.  It would be my preference over the EF if I had to make a choice.

[SignifDigits]

Besides weight and size you should be aware of the difference in AF.  AF on that lens is not "focus by wire"  You will give up a feature called "Lens Electronic MF".  You should plan on either 1) allowing the camera to AF and not touch the focus ring or 2) wholly manually focus, but not mix the two as you could damage the lens.  I personally use the fine-zoom feature built into my R6 Mark II of "One Shot->enabled (magnify)" to fine tune the AF with RF lenses (It blows up a box 10x or so that you can really fine-tune it when you move the AF ring).

I personally opted for the lower cost and additional range of the 24-105 as I don't need the 2.8 f-stop brightness and DOF in that range, but to each their own.   I think that lens is a bargain and am very happy with it.  I mention it as if you're wanting to save some money it might be a lens to consider.

IQ comparison for the two lenses you mentioned is below.  The EF lens looks like it might be slightly better optically, but I don't know if that will be noticeable in your work.

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=787&Camera=979&Sample=0...

[deebatman316]

@SignifDigits Focus Override in AF mode still works with older EF lenses with Ring Type USM. You just have to ensure Preview AF/ Continuous AF is DISABLED. As to @exeoe4 I recommend going with native RF lenses when possible. EF Mount lenses are on burrowed time as they’ve been discontinued. Sure you can find plenty used copies. But how long is Canon going to support a legacy platform. Many EF lenses are coming up on End of Service life now or soon. Which there will be a day where it’s no longer repairable by Canon or a 3rd Party if you choose. But some lenses don’t have an RF Mount equivalent replacement yet. In that case I wouldn’t spend too much money on an older EF lens.

[ebiggs1]

" I recommend going with native RF lenses when possible."

So do I as it is always best to go with the newest tech, again when possible. That's the key word, when possible.

"EF Mount lenses are on burrowed time as they’ve been discontinued. ... But how long is Canon going to support a legacy platform. Many EF lenses are coming up on End of Service life now or soon."

A poor, at best, reason to make the decision to buy, or not by, a lens.

"Prices are essentially the same!"

I really don't understand why you would even ask. You just answered it yourself.

[SignifDigits]

@debatman316 does "Lens Electronic MF" and "One Shot->enabled (magnify)" still work with older EF lenses as well?

[deebatman316]

@SignifDigits That only works with EF lenses that are Focus By Wire. If the lens uses a clutch for focus override then it won’t work. You can still manually magnify the image in live view though. Then carry out manual focusing. Also all focus aids should work with the lens in MF. That includes specialty lenses such as TS-E and MP-E lenses. Those lenses are MF and have No IS only Electronic Aperture control. The focus guide will work too.