Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and compact, making it suitable for travel.
- Affordable option for beginners looking for a versatile lens.
- Versatile focal range from 24mm to 50mm for general photography.
- Image stabilization helps in reducing blurry photos in low light.
- Works well in well-lit environments for casual photography.
Cons
- Aperture range of f/4.5-6.3 limits low-light performance, requiring higher ISO settings.
- Image quality is considered mediocre, especially in corner sharpness at 24mm.
- Many reviews describe the lens as not sharp until stopped down.
- Limited zoom range may not be sufficient for various shooting needs, especially landscapes.
- Some users find the lens activation mechanism cumbersome, as it requires rotation to start shooting.
Verdict
Overall, the Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is viewed as a practical, lightweight option for beginners, offering decent quality for everyday use, but it falls short in low-light conditions and image quality compared to other available lenses. While it serves well as a starter lens, many users recommend considering other options once they gain more experience.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 24-50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/6.3 |
| Mount | RF Mount |
| OIS | Yes |
| AF Motor | STM |
| Filter Size | 58mm |
| Min Focus | 0.3m |
| Weight | 210g |
| Dimensions | 68.6 x 58.4 mm |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM perform in low light?
Low-light performance is limited due to its variable and relatively narrow maximum aperture (f/4.5-6.3). While optical image stabilization helps reduce blur from camera shake, you'll often have to raise ISO, which can introduce noise. For extensive low-light or indoor shooting, consider a faster prime lens.
Is this lens weather-sealed?
No, the RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is not weather-sealed. It's built primarily from plastic and lacks gaskets or protection against dust and moisture, so extra care is necessary when shooting in harsh environments.
Can I use screw-in filters with this lens?
Yes, the lens features a standard 58mm filter thread, which does not rotate during focus. This makes it easy to use affordable filters like polarizers, NDs, or UVs.
How does it compare to the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM?
The RF 24-50mm is smaller, lighter, and slightly wider at the short end, while the 24-105mm offers a much greater zoom range and better versatility. The 24-105mm provides similar image quality but is bulkier and more expensive. For travel, the 24-50mm wins on portability, but for all-around use, the 24-105mm is more flexible.
Will this lens provide good background blur for portraits?
Due to its slow maximum aperture, background blur is modest at best, even at 50mm and close distances. If strong subject separation and creamy bokeh are priorities, consider a fast prime such as the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM instead.
Does the lens work well for video?
The STM motor is very quiet and smooth, making it suitable for video autofocus. The built-in IS is also beneficial for handheld footage, but the variable maximum aperture may limit exposure control, especially indoors.
Compatible Cameras
Camera bodies that work with this lens
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