Full frame cameras offer exceptional image quality and versatility, but their lenses can often be bulky and expensive. For photographers seeking a compact and affordable zoom lens option, the Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM provides a compelling solution. This lens is particularly well-suited for travel, street photography, and everyday shooting scenarios.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this informative video offers a comprehensive review of the Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens. Abbott highlights the lens' key features, including its compact size, lightweight design, and built-in image stabilization. These attributes make it an attractive choice for photographers who value portability and stability, especially when using cameras without in-body image stabilization, such as the Canon EOS R8.
While the lens offers several advantages, Abbott also acknowledges its limitations. The variable aperture, ranging from f/4.5 to f/6.3, means it may not be ideal for low-light situations. Additionally, the retractable zoom design, while space-saving, may not appeal to all users. Abbott also notes the lens' heavy reliance on electronic corrections to address optical flaws, such as distortion and vignetting. However, he recognizes that the final image quality remains respectable, particularly when considering the budget-friendly price point.
The video goes deeper into the lens' performance, exploring its autofocus capabilities, sharpness, and bokeh. Abbott praises the autofocus system for its speed and accuracy, making it suitable for both still photography and video recording. He also finds the lens to be surprisingly sharp, even when paired with a high-resolution camera like the Canon EOS R5. While the bokeh may not be exceptional due to the maximum aperture, it remains acceptable for most applications.
Ultimately, the RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM presents a valuable option for photographers seeking an affordable and portable zoom lens for their full frame camera. While it may not be the most optically perfect lens, it offers a good balance of features and performance for its price point. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott.
Whatever happened to the days of kit lenses offering f/3.5 - f/5.6?
In the past, f/4.5 - f/6.3 used to be more common with kit super zooms.
Lenses have gotten more expensive as apertures shrunk.
I don't understand the f6.3 aperture at 50mm. It would be so easy and inexpensive to make this a straight 24-50mm f4.5. Like hardly any more expense, size, or weight. So it doesn't make sense to make it such a small aperture at 50mm, because what it is costing to make is negligible.
I suspect that the ONLY reason Canon has made it so slow at 50mm is to "protect" its other lenses, so that there is no so-called cannibalization of sales. In other words, it seems to me like this has been intentionally crippled.