Canon RF24mm F1.8 Macro is STM Lens, Wide-Angle, Fixed Focal Length Prime Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, Black
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AI Verdict
This 9.5-ounce, F1.8 wide-angle prime lens with 0.5x macro and 5.5 stops of IS is for EOS R users prioritizing portability and close-up capabilities over weather sealing.
This lens is a situational fit for EOS R users who need a lightweight, wide-angle prime with a fast F1.8 aperture and 0.5x macro capabilities. Its 9.5-ounce weight and 5.5 stops of optical image stabilization make it appealing for handheld shooting and travel, but the lack of weather sealing and audible STM autofocus limit its use in demanding environments or for critical video work where silence is paramount.
If weather sealing and faster, silent autofocus are critical, look for Canon's L-series RF prime lenses, which typically offer more robust construction and advanced focusing motors.
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Pros
- The F1.8 maximum aperture allows for shooting in low-light conditions and achieving shallow depth of field.
- Offers 0.5x close-up magnification at a minimum focus distance of 5.5 inches (0.14m), enabling half-size macro images.
- Features optical image stabilization providing up to 5.5 stops of shake correction, extending to 6.5 stops with compatible IBIS-equipped EOS R cameras.
- Weighs only 9.5 ounces and measures 2.5 by 2.9 inches, making it a compact and light option for travel.
- Includes a UD glass element, one aspheric element, and Super Spectra Coating to manage ghosting and flare.
- The STM autofocus motor provides smooth focusing, which is beneficial for video recording.
Cons
- Lacks dust and splash protection, which is not ideal for outdoor use.
- The STM autofocus motor can be audible and slower than Canon's L-series lenses, and may hum when hunting for focus.
- Exhibits noticeable barrel distortion and vignetting at wider apertures (f/1.8), requiring in-camera corrections that can slightly crop the image.
- Corner sharpness is not optimal at F1.8 and F2.2, improving only at F2.8 and peaking between F4 and F5.6.
- The lens hood is not included and must be purchased separately.
Dimension Scores
Offers excellent center sharpness, but corners are soft at F1.8 and F2.2, requiring stopping down to F2.8 or smaller for better edge-to-edge performance.
The STM motor is fast enough for stills, but it can be audible and is not as quick or silent as the USM motors in L-series lenses.
The F1.8 aperture is beneficial for low-light video, and the STM motor provides smooth focus transitions, though it can be audible.
Weighing only 9.5 ounces and measuring 2.5 by 2.9 inches, it's a very compact and lightweight lens for its focal length and aperture.
Best For
- Vlogging and video recording due to its wide field of view, F1.8 aperture, and smooth STM autofocus.
- Environmental portraits that incorporate more of the scene, leveraging the 24mm focal length and F1.8 aperture.
- Close-up photography of small subjects like wildflowers or jewelry, thanks to its 0.5x macro capability.
- Street photography and travel where a light (9.5 oz) and compact lens is preferred.
Not Recommended For
- Astrophotography, as some users report potential coma and the corner softness at F1.8 might be an issue.
- Shooting in harsh weather conditions due to the absence of weather sealing.
- Professional work demanding the fastest, quietest autofocus and edge-to-edge sharpness at wide apertures, typically found in L-series lenses.
Watch Out For
- No weather sealing means you'll need to be careful in dusty or wet environments, unlike many professional-grade lenses.
- The STM autofocus motor produces a noticeable humming sound when focusing, which can be picked up during video recording if not using an external microphone.
- Images shot at F1.8 and F2.2 show soft corners, requiring you to stop down to F2.8 or smaller apertures for better edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Significant barrel distortion and vignetting are present at wide apertures, and while correctable in-camera, these corrections will slightly crop your 24mm image.
- The lens hood is not included in the box, so you'll need to budget for an additional purchase like the Canon EW-65B or a third-party alternative.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0B69QZ1DJ |
| Brand | Canon |
| Batteries | 1 AA batteries required. |
| Lens Type | Macro |
| Item Weight | 9.5 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Canon USA |
| Item model number | 5668C002 |
| Product Dimensions | 2.9 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon RF |
| Focal Length Description | 24-24 lens |
What Buyers Say
Many users are drawn to this lens for its combination of a wide 24mm focal length, bright F1.8 aperture, and useful 0.5x macro capability, especially given its relatively light 9.5-ounce build. However, a recurring point is the lack of weather sealing, which limits its utility in less-than-ideal conditions. Users also frequently mention the need for in-camera corrections for barrel distortion and vignetting at wider apertures, and some note the audible nature of the STM autofocus motor. Despite these points, its versatility for various shooting scenarios, from vlogging to close-ups, is consistently highlighted.
“Man, this lens is so light and the F1.8 is sweet for blurry backgrounds, but seriously, no weather sealing? And that hum from the autofocus is kinda annoying when I'm trying to shoot quiet video.”
Common Praise
- The F1.8 aperture allows for shooting in dim lighting and creating backgrounds with shallow depth of field.
- The 0.5x macro magnification at 5.5 inches (0.14m) minimum focus distance is a useful feature for close-up shots.
- The optical image stabilization provides up to 5.5 stops of shake correction, aiding handheld photography and video.
- Its 9.5-ounce weight and compact size make it easy to carry for extended periods.
- The smooth focusing of the STM motor is appreciated for video recording.
- The 24mm focal length is considered versatile for street photography, landscapes, and environmental portraits.
Common Complaints
- Absence of dust and splash protection makes users cautious about using it in adverse weather.
- The STM autofocus motor can produce an audible humming sound, particularly when hunting for focus.
- Corner sharpness is noticeably soft at F1.8 and F2.2, requiring users to stop down for sharper edges.
- Barrel distortion and vignetting are present at wide apertures, necessitating in-camera or post-processing corrections.
- The lens hood is not included in the purchase, adding an extra cost for users.
- Some users describe the build quality as having a 'plastic feeling'.
Ownership Tips
- You'll quickly notice the barrel distortion and vignetting at F1.8, so get used to seeing those in-camera corrections kick in, which subtly crops your image.
- The 'plastic feeling' build is apparent, but it also contributes to the lens's light 9.5-ounce weight, making it less of a burden on long shoots.
- You'll definitely want to buy a lens hood separately, as the sun can cause flare, and it offers some physical protection for the front element.
- While the 0.5x macro is cool, the 24mm focal length means you're often very close to your subject, which can be challenging for lighting and not always practical for skittish subjects.
- The autofocus, while generally fast for stills, isn't silent, and that audible hum can be a minor distraction if you're used to quieter L-series lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this lens have weather sealing?
No, Canon does not specify weather sealing for this lens, meaning it lacks dust and splash protection.
Is this lens good for video?
Yes, its F1.8 aperture is beneficial for low-light video, and the STM motor provides smooth focusing. However, the STM motor can be audible during focus adjustments, which might be a concern for on-camera audio.
Does the lens come with a hood?
No, the lens hood is not included and needs to be purchased separately, such as the Canon EW-65B or a compatible third-party option.
How does the image quality compare to other Canon RF primes?
The lens offers very good center sharpness, but corners can be soft at F1.8 and F2.2, improving as you stop down. It also shows barrel distortion and vignetting at wide apertures that require correction.
Is the autofocus fast and quiet?
The STM autofocus is generally fast for stills but can be audible, producing a humming noise when hunting for focus. It's not as fast or silent as the USM motors found in L-series lenses.
Buying Guide
When looking at a prime lens like this, you're trading the flexibility of a zoom for a fixed focal length that often delivers better image quality and a wider maximum aperture. The 24mm focal length gives you a wide perspective, great for capturing expansive scenes or fitting a lot into your frame. The F1.8 aperture means the lens can let in a lot of light, which is crucial for shooting in dim conditions and for creating that creamy, out-of-focus background effect (bokeh). Image stabilization (IS) helps you get sharper photos and smoother video when shooting handheld, especially at slower shutter speeds.
F1.8 Maximum Aperture
This number tells you how much light the lens can gather. A lower number like F1.8 means it's a 'fast' lens, letting in a lot of light. This is like having a bigger window in a dark room – you can see more clearly without needing extra light, and you can blur out backgrounds more easily than with lenses that have higher F-numbers.
0.5x Close-up Magnification
This indicates the lens's ability to focus closely and make small objects appear larger in the frame. A 0.5x magnification means the image projected onto your camera's sensor is half the size of the actual object. It's not 'true' 1:1 macro, but it's enough to capture detailed close-ups of things like flowers or small products.
5.5 Stops Optical Image Stabilization (IS)
Image stabilization helps counteract camera shake, especially when you're shooting handheld or in low light. Think of it like having a steady hand even when yours is a bit shaky – it allows you to use slower shutter speeds without blurring your photos, and it makes handheld video much smoother.
Alternatives
If this lens doesn't quite fit, consider looking for a wide-angle prime with weather sealing and a faster, quieter autofocus motor for more demanding professional use, or a lens with better corner-to-corner sharpness at its widest aperture if landscape photography is your primary focus.
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