Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM
Canon RF
Both are small, retractable kit zooms for Canon RF with image stabilization and the same aperture range (f/4.5-6.3), but the sensor decides. The RF-S 18-45mm IS STM (May 2022) is designed for APS-C only, for the EOS R7 or R10 for example, and weighs 130 g. The RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM (February 2023, kit lens for the EOS R8) covers full frame and weighs 270 g. On APS-C it behaves like roughly 38-80 mm, whereas the 18-45 equals 29-72 mm there.
So the RF-S is smaller and wider on APS-C, while the RF lens fits full frame without cropping.
Which one suits whom?
- RF-S 18-45mm: You have an APS-C camera and want the smallest, lightest standard zoom.
- RF 24-50mm: You have full frame such as the EOS R8 or plan to move up and want no crop.
Key differences
- Focal length: 18-45 mm on the Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, 24-50 mm on the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM.
- The Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is 140 g lighter (130 g vs 270 g).
- The Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is 14 mm shorter.
- The Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM focuses closer: from 20 cm instead of 30 cm.
- Filter thread: 49 mm on the Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, 58 mm on the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM.
- The Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is a full-frame lens, the Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is designed for APS-C.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM | Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 18-45 mm | 24-50 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/4.5-6.3 | f/4.5-6.3 |
| Weight | 130 g | 270 g |
| Filter diameter | 49 mm | 58 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 20 cm | 30 cm |
| Length | 44 mm | 58 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | yes |
Size comparison
- Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM: 44 × 69 mm
- Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM: 58 × 70 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).