The Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens offers an affordable entry point for photographers using Canon's EOS R mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors. You might wonder if this budget-friendly option can deliver quality results or if it's worth considering alternatives.
Coming to you from Gordon Laing, this informative video examines the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens in detail. Laing compares it to Sigma's pricier 18-50mm f/2.8 option, highlighting key differences in performance and design. The Canon lens stands out for its incredibly compact size, measuring just 60mm wide and weighing a mere 130 g. This makes it an ideal match for smaller bodies like the EOS R50 and R100. However, the trade-off for this portability is a modest and variable aperture range of f/4.5-6.3.
Laing's testing reveals that the RF-S 18-45mm delivers reasonably sharp images in the center, with some softening only in the extreme corners. The lens features optical image stabilization, providing about four stops of compensation on bodies without in-body stabilization (IBIS). When paired with IBIS-equipped cameras like the EOS R7, you can achieve around five stops of stabilization. The autofocus performance is swift and silent, though Laing notes a slight image shift when zooming – something to be aware of when shooting video.
One potential drawback of the RF-S 18-45mm is its limited ability to create background blur due to the narrow maximum aperture. If you're looking to achieve more pronounced bokeh effects, you might want to consider pairing this lens with a fast prime like the Canon 50mm f/1.8. The lens also has a shorter zoom range compared to some of Canon's previous kit lenses, which may be a factor to consider depending on your shooting needs.
While the RF-S 18-45mm may not win any awards for optical excellence, it serves its purpose as an ultra-compact and affordable starter lens. If you're purchasing a new EOS R camera and the lens only adds about $100 to the package, it's likely worth including as a versatile option to get you started. However, if you're looking for more advanced features or superior image quality, investing in Sigma's 18-50mm f/2.8. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Laing.
