Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM

Canon RF

Review

The Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM is a versatile zoom lens designed for Canon's mirrorless system, specifically catering to those who seek the flexibility of a broad focal range. Whether you're capturing landscapes, portraits, or close-up shots, this lens aims to deliver quality across various photography styles.

Build Quality and Design

The construction of the RF-S 18-150mm is compact and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for travel and everyday shooting. Weighing just around 0.97 lbs (440 grams), it won't add much bulk to your camera setup. The lens features a plastic body, which may raise eyebrows regarding durability, but it feels sturdy in hand and offers a comfortable grip. The retractable design allows for easy storage and portability. The focus ring is smooth and responsive, making manual adjustments a breeze.

Optical Performance

Optically, the RF-S 18-150mm provides a respectable performance. The lens exhibits good sharpness throughout most of its focal range, particularly at the sweet spot between f/8 and f/11. Chromatic aberration is generally well controlled, but some corner softness can be noticed on the wider end at f/3.5. The built-in image stabilization (IS) compensates for handshake and provides up to 4 stops of stabilization, making low-light photography much more manageable. While it doesn't beat higher-end fixed focal length lenses, it does its job quite well for general use.

Autofocus Capabilities

The autofocus system utilizes Canon's STM (Stepper Motor Technology), allowing for near-silent and quick focusing, making it suitable for both photography and videography. During testing, subjects were tracked accurately, and the transition between focus points was smooth, which is a plus for videographers. However, it’s worth noting that in low-light situations, the autofocus can occasionally struggle, which is something to keep in mind if you often shoot in those conditions.

Versatility

The 18-150mm range covers an impressive variety of focal lengths, making this lens a one-stop-shop for many photographers. The wide-angle at 18mm is ideal for landscapes and group shots, while the 150mm endpoint is great for portraits and wildlife photography. This versatility is one of the most appealing aspects of the lens, allowing you to shoot comfortably without constantly switching lenses.

Price and Value

In terms of pricing, the RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM falls into a reasonable range for an all-in-one zoom lens, especially when considering the convenience it offers. When compared to other lenses of similar specifications, it does represent good value, particularly for beginner and enthusiast photographers who prioritize versatility over absolute image quality.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Versatile focal range (18-150mm)
• Lightweight and compact design
• Good optical quality for general photography
• Effective image stabilization
• Silent and quick autofocus

Cons

• Some corner softness at wider apertures
• Autofocus can struggle in low light
• Build quality is primarily plastic

Verdict

The Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM serves as a sound choice for photographers looking for a versatile, budget-friendly zoom lens. While it may not reach the optical heights of more specialized lenses, it balances utility and performance well enough to meet the needs of many. If you value a lightweight, all-in-one option for your Canon RF mount camera, the RF-S 18-150mm is worth considering.