Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile zoom range from 18mm to 150mm, providing flexibility for various shooting situations.
- Lightweight and compact design, making it ideal for travel and everyday use.
- Good sharpness, particularly at the wider focal lengths (18-35mm).
- Includes image stabilization, which is helpful for reducing handheld blur.
- Affordable price point, especially when included in a kit with the camera.
Cons
- Slow maximum aperture range of f/3.5-6.3 limits low-light performance, requiring higher ISO settings.
- Image quality at the long end (150mm) can be softer compared to higher-end lenses.
- Bulkier than other kit lenses like the RF-S 18-45mm, which may be a consideration for weight-conscious users.
- Some users report that the lens is not ideal for serious wildlife photography due to limited reach.
Verdict
Overall, the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is considered a solid all-rounder lens for beginners, offering good versatility and decent performance. However, it may fall short in low-light situations and for users seeking high image quality at longer focal lengths.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 18-150mm |
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/40 |
| Mount | Canon RF |
| OIS | Yes |
| AF Motor | STM |
| Optical Design | 17 elements in 13 groups |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM compatible with full-frame Canon RF cameras?
The RF-S 18-150mm is designed specifically for Canon's APS-C R-mount bodies (e.g., R7, R10, R50). While it will physically mount on full-frame RF cameras, those cameras will automatically crop the sensor area, delivering lower resolution images and negating the benefits of a larger sensor.
How effective is the optical image stabilization on this lens?
Canon rates the built-in Optical IS for up to 4.5 stops of shake reduction, making it very effective for handheld shooting, especially at longer focal lengths. When paired with EOS R bodies that offer coordinated IS (in-body stabilization), the combined effect can be even greater, helping counteract handheld blur up to the limits of the lens's aperture.
How does the RF-S 18-150mm compare to the RF-S 18-45mm kit lens?
The 18-150mm greatly exceeds the 18-45mm's range, covering everything from wide-angle to serious telephoto in one lens. While slightly bulkier and heavier, it offers better sharpness and versatility with virtually no downside except for price and size. For users accustomed to the 18-45mm, the 18-150mm feels like a significant upgrade in most practical respects.
Is this lens suitable for portraits or macro photography?
While it's not a dedicated portrait or macro lens, the 18-150mm's long end offers decent subject separation, and its close focusing ability (down to 17cm at 18mm) allows for pseudo-macro shots. For best bokeh and subject isolation, a dedicated fast prime or macro lens is superior, but for general close-ups and informal portraits, this lens works well.
Does the lens extend when zooming, and is there any zoom creep?
Yes, the lens extends significantly as you zoom towards 150mm. The zoom mechanism is smooth and generally resists creep, but like most superzooms with external zooming, some movement can happen if the lens is pointed vertically-though this is rarely problematic in typical use.
Is there weather sealing on the RF-S 18-150mm?
No, the RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM does not offer weather sealing. It should be protected from heavy rain, dust, and harsh conditions, and users who expect to shoot regularly in inclement weather should look at sealed alternatives.
Compatible Cameras
Camera bodies that work with this lens
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