Canon · RF

RF 24–50mm F4.5–6.3 IS STM

Released April 2023

A retractable full-frame standard zoom for compact EOS R kits, with optical stabilisation and STM autofocus.

Mount
Canon RF
Focal length
24–50 mm
Max aperture
f/4.5–6.3
Stabilisation
Yes
Weight
210 g

What reviewers say

Both reviews find responsive autofocus, useful stabilisation and reasonably consistent sharpness in a light, compact lens. They criticise the limited zoom range, modest aperture and heavy digital correction of wide-angle distortion. Digital Camera World likes its travel suitability and results for its size; Dustin Abbott is less convinced by its standalone value, preferring a faster prime or longer zoom.

From dustinabbott.net and digitalcameraworld.com

Optics

Lens type
Zoom
Focal length
24–50 mm
Maximum aperture
f/4.5–6.3
Minimum aperture
f/22–32
Optical construction
Eight elements in eight groups
Special elements
Two plastic-moulded aspherical elements; Super Spectra coating; no fluorine coating
Aperture detail
Minimum f/22 at 24 mm and f/32 at 50 mm
Diaphragm
Seven blades, circular aperture

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Canon RF
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Full-frame Canon RF mount; compatible with APS-C EOS R bodies; RF extenders and EF extension tubes not compatible

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.3 m
Maximum magnification
0.19×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
Lead-screw STM autofocus
Focus distance detail
Minimum 0.30 m at 24 mm and 0.35 m at 50 mm
Magnification detail
Maximum 0.11× at 24 mm and 0.19× at 50 mm
Stabilisation detail
Optical IS rated 4.5 stops on EOS R at 50 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch; coordinated IS rated seven stops on EOS R5 at 50 mm in the UK specifications and on EOS R3 in Camera Museum, under CIPA, yaw/pitch

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
No
Filter diameter
58 mm
Maximum diameter
69.6 mm
Length
58 mm
Weight
210 g
Controls
Combined focus/control ring with AF/Control/MF selector, zoom ring and IS on/off switch
Zoom design
Retractable barrel; lens must be extended for shooting
Weather resistance
No weather seals, reported by Dustin Abbott and Digital Camera World
Dimensions detail
Approximately 69.6 mm maximum diameter × 58 mm length, retracted
Weight detail
Approximately 210 g lens
Lens hood
EW-63C hood and LP1014 pouch, neither bundled
In the box
Lens, E-58 II front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual
Release detail
April 2023 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 210 g lens weight
  • Retractable barrel for storage
  • Optical image stabilisation

Cons

  • Short 24–50 mm zoom range
  • f/6.3 maximum aperture at 50 mm
  • No weather seals

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon RF20–50 mmf/4Yes420 gJun 2026
Canon RF15–30 mmf/4.5–6.3Yes390 gAug 2022
Canon RF24–105 mmf/4–7.1Yes395 gApr 2020

Sources

  1. canon.co.uk/lenses/rf-24-50mm-f4-5-6-3-is-stm/specifications
  2. canon.co.uk/store/canon-rf-24-50mm-f4-5-6-3-is-stm-lens/5823C005
  3. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/rf523.html
  4. dustinabbott.net/2024/04/canon-rf-24-50mm-f4-5-6-3-is-stm-review
  5. digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/canon-rf-24-50mm-f45-63-is-stm-review

Photo: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF24-50mm f4.5-6.3 IS STM.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.

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