Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design, making it easy to carry for travel and hiking.
- Versatile focal range (24-105mm) suitable for various photography styles, including landscapes and street photography.
- Good image stabilization (IS) performance, especially advantageous for handheld shooting.
- Decent optical quality, especially at mid-range focal lengths.
- Affordable price point compared to other RF lenses, making it an accessible option for beginners.
Cons
- Variable aperture (f/4-7.1) can be limiting in low-light situations, especially at the telephoto end.
- Lower optical performance compared to the L series versions; some users noted softness at the edges.
- Struggles with darker images in indoor settings without additional lighting or higher ISO settings.
- Not ideal for action or fast-paced photography due to slower autofocus performance in low light.
Verdict
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens is generally well-received as a lightweight, versatile travel lens, offering good value for beginners. However, its variable aperture limits its performance in low light and fast-moving situations, making faster lenses a consideration for more serious users.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 24-105mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/7.1 |
| Mount | Canon RF |
| OIS | Yes |
| AF Motor | STM |
| Filter Size | 67mm |
| Min Focus | 0.2m |
| Weight | 395g |
| Dimensions | 76.6 x 88.8 mm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens good for portraits?
It's adequate for casual portraits, especially at 105mm, but the f/7.1 aperture at the tele end limits background blur and subject isolation. For more dramatic, professional-looking portraits with stronger bokeh, look to faster RF primes or zooms.
How does the variable aperture affect real-world use?
The lens starts at f/4 at 24mm but quickly narrows to f/7.1 at 105mm. This limits the amount of light reaching the sensor at longer focal lengths, making it less effective in dim conditions and offering less control over depth-of-field. Outdoors in good light, most users find it manageable; indoors, you may need higher ISOs or supplementary lighting.
Is this lens compatible with all Canon mirrorless cameras?
It is designed for full-frame EOS R-series cameras with the RF mount (such as R, RP, R5, R6, R8, etc.). It also works with Canon's APS-C RF bodies, but with a crop factor applied.
Can I use this lens for video work?
Yes. The STM autofocus motor is very quiet and smooth, making it a good fit for casual or vlogging applications. The optical stabilization further aids handheld video stability, though low-light video will be limited by the aperture.
How does it compare to the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM?
The L version offers superior optics, constant f/4 aperture, weather sealing, and faster autofocus, but it's much heavier and more expensive. The f/4-7.1 STM is better for travel or budget users but sacrifices optical and build quality.
Does the lens have macro capability?
While not a true macro lens, its 0.2m minimum focus distance allows for reasonably close shots and small object photography-handy for casual close-ups but not at a 1:1 reproduction ratio.
Compatible Cameras
Camera bodies that work with this lens
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