Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM
Canon RF
Both lenses are designed for Canon's APS-C cameras with RF mount (for example the EOS R7 and R10) and arrived in May 2022 as the first RF-S zooms. The RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is the kit lens: it retracts for transport and weighs only 130 g. The RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is a travel zoom with an 8.3x range, equal to about 29-240 mm in full frame terms. It starts a little faster at f/3.5, but weighs 310 g and is much longer. Both have image stabilization.
So the question is: as compact as possible, or one lens for everything.
Which one suits whom?
- 18-45mm: You want the smallest, lightest standard zoom for everyday use and travel with light luggage.
- 18-150mm: You want to travel from wide angle to telephoto with a single lens.
Key differences
- Focal length: 18-45 mm on the Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, 18-150 mm on the Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM.
- The Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM is faster: f/3.5 instead of f/4.5, about 0.7 stops more light.
- The Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is 180 g lighter (130 g vs 310 g).
- The Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is 41 mm shorter.
- The Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM focuses closer: from 17 cm instead of 20 cm.
- Filter thread: 49 mm on the Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, 55 mm on the Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM.
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-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 18-45 mm | 18-150 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/4.5-6.3 | f/3.5-6.3 |
| Weight | 130 g | 310 g |
| Filter diameter | 49 mm | 55 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 20 cm | 17 cm |
| Length | 44 mm | 84.5 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-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM: 84.5 × 69 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).