Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Lens Review: Conditional Buy Verdict
The Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens lands in a sweet spot for many EOS R shooters, scoring a solid 8.7/10 based on consistent praise for its image quality, portability, and macro versatility—though it has quirks that certain users found limiting.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent sharpness across the frame | Macro magnification limited to 0.5x |
| Lightweight at just 270g | Some distortion for architecture |
| Impressive low-light performance with f/1.8 | No weather sealing reported |
| Smooth, quiet STM autofocus for video | Lens hood sold separately |
| Close 14cm minimum focus distance | Price varies widely; bundled kits inflate cost |
| Effective stabilization up to 6.5 stops (with IBIS bodies) | Full frame users may find 24mm too wide for portraits |
Claims vs Reality
Canon’s marketing leans hard on “stunning macro” and “beautiful bokeh,” promising half life-size magnification and creamy backgrounds even at wide angles. Digging deeper into user reports tells a nuanced story. While officially rated to 0.5x, Amazon buyers emphasized that “you can fill the frame with small objects easily,” yet macro specialists noted you won’t achieve the extreme reproduction ratios found in dedicated macro lenses.
For low-light shooting, the f/1.8 aperture drew strong approval. Reddit user u/PhotoJour*** reflected: “Cityscapes at night look clean and vibrant handheld,” confirming Canon’s stabilizer claims. However, some architecture shooters found corners “slightly softer at wide open” and recommended stopping down to f/4 for consistency.
The power of its STM autofocus matches Canon’s promise of quiet, accurate focus for video. A verified buyer on Amazon said: “Transition from foreground to background focus is smooth—no hunting.” Yet rapid subject tracking isn’t its forte, making it better suited for controlled shoots rather than fast sports.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The weight-to-performance ratio emerged as one of its greatest strengths. Across Reddit and Trustpilot, travel photographers highlighted the convenience: “It’s so light I keep it in my bag next to my zoom,” one Trustpilot reviewer shared. For hikers and urban explorers, 270g means less strain without sacrificing sharpness.
Low-light stabilization is another win. While officially rated at 5 stops in-lens and up to 6.5 with IBIS bodies, Canon users shooting handheld night scenes consistently praised this. Reddit user u/LensLover*** remarked: “Shot a 1/4 sec handheld in dim interiors—still sharp.” Videographers also appreciated the smoothness of handheld footage.
Finally, the tactile control ring won near-universal approval. Being able to fine-tune ISO or aperture without diving into menus resonated with those shooting events. “I can adjust exposure on the fly while staying in the moment,” a Trustpilot reviewer said.
Common Complaints
Several owners noted its lack of weather sealing. For outdoor shooters, this was a drawback: “Got caught in light rain, now I’m paranoid using it in bad weather,” commented one Reddit user. Macro enthusiasts expecting extreme close-ups often felt constrained by 0.5x magnification, describing it as “good for flowers and food, not insects’ eyes.”
Distortion is visible at 24mm when shooting buildings—an issue for architectural work unless corrected in post. A verified buyer on Amazon said: “Lines bend more than I wanted; Lightroom fixes it, but it’s there.”
Divisive Features
Bokeh received polarized reactions. Wide-angle aficionados admired the smooth background blur at f/1.8 for environmental portraits, while traditional portrait shooters found subject isolation “less pronounced than with longer focal lengths.”
Price perception also varied. eBay listings ranged from $449.99 new to over $700 in bundled kits. Value hunters were thrilled at sub-$500 deals, but others balked at inflated kit pricing that included unnecessary accessories.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot feedback and Reddit discussions suggest solid build quality for its category. Multiple owners reported daily carry for over six months without mechanical issues. “Focus ring still smooth, stabilization works like day one,” shared a long-term user.
There were no widespread scam reports, though pricing inconsistencies on third-party platforms caused wariness. Some bundle deals padded costs with low-value items, leading seasoned shooters to advise buying the lens standalone unless accessories are specifically needed.
Alternatives
The in-data comparisons point to the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. While more versatile in zoom range, it’s heavier at 395g and offers less low-light capability. Macro performance is similar at the wide end (0.5x at 24mm), so those chasing shallow DOF and compactness often favor the 24mm prime. Architecture-focused shooters, however, sometimes prefer the zoom for its flexibility and better distortion control at longer focal lengths.
Price & Value
On eBay, new units have dipped to $449.99 from a $599.99 MSRP, making it significantly more affordable than Canon’s official $1,049 AUD or $1,199 NZD listings. Resale trends suggest stable value retention, likely due to its unique combination of focal length, macro ability, and speed.
Community advice tilts towards buying new at discounted rates rather than large bundles. “Accessories were poor quality, and I could’ve saved $200 buying lens-only,” an eBay buyer noted. Used units in mint condition hover around $429–$499.
FAQ
Q: Can the Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM replace a dedicated macro lens?
A: Not entirely. While it delivers 0.5x magnification and excellent close-focus, it won’t match the extreme detail of true 1:1 macro lenses.
Q: Is this lens weather-sealed?
A: No user has confirmed weather sealing. Owners advise caution in rain or dusty environments.
Q: Does the image stabilizer work with all EOS R bodies?
A: Yes, but maximum 6.5 stops stabilization requires a body with IBIS; otherwise, expect 5 stops from the lens alone.
Q: How does it perform for video?
A: Smooth, quiet STM autofocus and effective stabilization make it popular for handheld vlogging and product shots.
Q: Is distortion an issue?
A: At 24mm, barrel distortion can be visible, especially in architecture. Most shooters correct it in post.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a travel, street, or food photographer who values lightweight gear, strong low-light ability, and decent macro reach. Avoid if you require extreme macro, weather resistance, or distortion-free architecture shooting without post-processing. Pro tip from the community: snag it at sub-$500 pricing and invest in a high-quality hood and filters rather than bundled accessory kits.
