Pros & Cons
Pros
- Surprisingly sharp across its range, especially for a superzoom lens.
- Lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel.
- Excellent zoom range, covering from wide-angle to telephoto without changing lenses.
- Fast autofocus performance that is especially effective for everyday photography.
- Good image quality for casual use, often praised for its performance during daylight.
Cons
- Variable aperture (f/4-6.3) limits low-light performance compared to constant aperture lenses.
- Not weather-sealed, making it less suitable for adverse conditions.
- Softness noted at extreme focal lengths, particularly when wide open.
- Some users report the corners can be softer and more distorted.
- Heavier than some consumer-grade lenses, making it cumbersome for all-day carry.
Verdict
Overall, the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is highly regarded as a versatile all-in-one lens that excels in convenience and decent image quality for travel and outdoor photography. However, its variable aperture and lack of weather sealing are notable drawbacks for those seeking high performance in low-light environments or challenging conditions.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 24-240mm |
| Max Aperture | f/6.3 |
| Min Aperture | f/4 |
| Mount | RF |
| OIS | Yes |
| AF Motor | Nano USM |
| Min Focus | 0.5m |
| Dimensions | 80.4 x 122.5 mm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM weather-sealed?
No, the RF 24-240mm lacks weather sealing. There are no dust or moisture gaskets around the mount or extending barrel. It's safe for general outdoor use in fair weather, but avoid rain, snow, and dusty conditions to prevent damage.
How good is the image stabilization on this lens?
The lens features Canon's 5-stop optical image stabilization (IS), which is very effective for handheld stills and video. It noticeably improves sharpness at slower shutter speeds, especially at the telephoto end, making handheld shooting at 240mm feasible even in moderate light.
Can this lens replace a prime or L-series zoom for professional use?
While the RF 24-240mm is excellent for casual, travel, or family photography, it cannot match the consistent image quality, wide apertures, or build of Canon's L-series primes or pro zooms. For critical work-low light, subject isolation, or harsh environmental conditions-dedicated lenses are superior.
How does it perform for video shooting?
Autofocus is nearly silent, smooth, and steady thanks to Nano USM, and minimal focus breathing makes it good for video work. The broad zoom range and IS also help. However, the lack of weather sealing and variable aperture may be limiting for some production environments.
Does the lens handle distortion and vignetting well?
Optically, barrel distortion at the wide end and vignetting are significant, but both are well corrected with in-camera JPEG processing or editing software like Lightroom. RAW shooters must use lens correction profiles for optimal results.
Is it suitable for wildlife or sports photography?
The 240mm reach is helpful for incidental wildlife or basic sports, but with the limited maximum aperture and some softness at 240mm, it's not ideal for pro wildlife or action shooters. It performs best for casual use, travel safaris, and daylight events.
Compatible Cameras
Camera bodies that work with this lens
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