Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Review

Canon has no shortage of premium, high-cost lenses for its full-frame EOS R camera system, but photographers looking for affordable glass have fewer options. Thankfully, the lowest-cost entry in the system, the Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM ($399), makes the right compromises to net ample zoom range for everyday use, and is a fine complement to the compact EOS RP.Light Zoom, Plenty of Range Canon's competitors have been hard at work delivering compact, full-frame zooms for their respective camera systems, but have largely taken a different approach—lenses like the Nikon Z 24-50mm, Panasonic 20-60mm, and Sony FE 28-60mm all sacrifice telephoto coverage to make weight. The RF 24-105mm offers the same range of coverage as bigger, pricier f/4 zooms like Canon's own RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM (4.2 by 3.3 inches, 1.5 pounds), but uses lighter glass in its design. The RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 is noticeably smaller (3.5 by 3 inches, HD) and lighter (13.9 ounces). Its f-stop isn't as bright, at ...

The Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM is the most affordable zoom lens for the R system, and one of the smallest and lightest full-frame zooms you can get for any camera.

Light and compact; Ample zoom coverage; Quick, quiet autofocus; 1:2 macro magnification; Minimal focus breathing; Stabilized optics; Attractive pricing

Omits dust and splash protection; Narrow aperture limits low-light use; Hood not included

Canon RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens RF24105ISSTM review

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Canon RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens RF24105ISSTM review

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is a fine performer, with a bonus of 24mm ultra-wide coverage, handling superbly, compact, light, focusing down to macro distances, and at half the price of the original offering has to be attractive.

Excellent; even sharpness; Low CA; Moderate vignetting; Low distortion; Well-controlled flare; Extra-wide 24mm coverage; Focusing to macro distances; Fast and accurate AF; Silent control ring options; Stabiliser; Compact and light

No weather sealing; No provided lens hood; Restricted telephoto aperture range

Canon RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens RF24105ISSTM review

The Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens solidly fills the empty slot in the RF lens lineup. Those acquiring an affordable, compact, full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens EOS R-series camera now have an equally affordable, small, and light general-purpose/standard zoom kit lens.

Canon RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens RF24105ISSTM review

The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is a very capable lens, a real Swiss Army knife. Its expansive focal range is extremely versatile, and it's capable at everything from portraits to close-ups – and super close-ups, too, as its Center Focus Macro mode facilitates 0.5x shooting as near as 13cm.

Remarkably priced; Impressive sharpness; 0.5x macro capability; 5-stop optical IS; Incredibly small and light

Only f/4 for 24mm wide setting; f/7.1 is limiting at 80mm and longer; Not weather sealed