Well, there was bound to be a cheap “kit lens” coming along at some point for Canon’s RF mount. I don’t think anybody anticipated it having an aperture quite this slow, but here we are. Canon has now officially announced their new Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens for RF mount mirrorless cameras. But, for a lightweight kit lens with this kind of zoom range, it’s to be expected.
| Focal Length | 24-105mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4-7.1 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/40 |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF |
| Format Compatibility | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 84° to 23° 20' |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 5.16" / 13.1 cm |
| Optical Design | 13 Elements in 11 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7, rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Filter Size | 67 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 3.02 x 3.5" / 76.6 x 88.8 mm |
| Weight | 13.93 oz / 395 g |
About the new lens, Canon says…
Kicking off the release of the 2020 additions, the RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM is a lightweight, compact and versatile zoom lens, perfect for adventurous enthusiast photographers. With its wide focal range the RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM offers a unique combination of flexibility and size in its category.
While it does have a slow aperture, it does have IS, which you’re going to need with the kind of shutter speeds you’ll need stopped down to f/7.1 to prevent handshake. Of course, that won’t freeze your subject if your shutter’s slow.
The design of the lens, made of 13 elements in 11 groups, allows for a minimum focus distance of only 13cm using “Centre Focus Macro” offering 0.5x reproduction with images in the subject sharp as the edge blurs out. An interesting concept, but it’s not going to replace a true macro lens.
It is a very low budget lens considering the other RF lens options that are out there, although I’m curious to see just how popular this will become. I think there are much better (cheaper, faster) options if you choose to stick with the EF to RF adapter instead.
But if you are interested, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens is available to pre-order now for $399.99 and begins shipping in April. The UK price will be £459.99 – which, at the current exchange rate, makes it more expensive than ordering from the USA for UK delivery even with shipping, tax and duty costs added. Kits with the Canon EOS R and EOS RP are expected to become available soon.
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