Full Specifications
| Focal Length | 18-45mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Lens Mount | RF-S |
| Optical Stabilization | Yes |
| Filter Size | 49mm |
| Dimensions | diameter x 76-103.1 mm |
| Optical Elements | 7 elements |
| Optical Groups | 7 groups |
| Price (MSRP) | $349 |
What Users Think
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry, suitable for travel and casual photography.
- Offers a versatile focal length range (18-45mm) for everyday shooting, from landscapes to portraits.
- Incorporates image stabilization (IS), which helps reduce blur in low-light conditions and when shooting handheld.
- Significantly better image quality compared to smartphone cameras, meeting the needs of beginners looking to enhance their photography.
- Affordable lens option for new photographers, providing good value for its price compared to more expensive alternatives.
Cons
- Aperture range of f/4.5-6.3 is relatively slow, which limits performance in low-light situations and background separation.
- Image quality can sometimes be underwhelming, especially when compared to higher-end lenses, leading to frustrations for more experienced users.
- Max focal length of 45mm may feel limiting for some photographers who desire more zoom for wildlife or distant subjects.
- Resale value is low, making it less attractive for those looking to upgrade quickly.
- Not the best option for astrophotography due to slow apertures.
Community Verdict
Overall, the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is well-received by beginner photographers for its compactness, versatility, and affordability. While it offers significant improvements over smartphone photography, experienced users may find its limitations in low light and aperture slow for more advanced uses.
"{'text': "The RF-S 18-45mm is a decent first lens, especially for €70. It doesn't have a very wide aperture or the best image quality... a good starting point that will take photos far better than a smartphone is capable of.", 'context': "Comment from u/GlyphTheGryph discussing the lens's advantages in a Reddit thread."}"
- Reddit user
"{'text': "It's not an amazing lens but it can definitely get the job done while you save up for something better.", 'context': "Comment by u/BM_StinkBug reflecting on the lens's performance and usability for beginners."}"
- Reddit user
"{'text': "For €70 get the kit lens for now. It's good enough, and it's so small and compact that you can bring it anywhere and not even realize it's on the camera.", 'context': "u/JaKr8's suggestion about the kit lens value in a Reddit discussion."}"
- Reddit user
Want the Full Story?
Read our comprehensive review covering optical quality, sharpness, bokeh, autofocus performance, build quality, and more.
Read Full ReviewPairs Well With
Camera bodies compatible with the RF-S mount
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