Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens Review

So you're looking at the Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM lens. It's a wide-angle prime lens for Canon's mirrorless R system, and honestly, it's one of the more affordable ways to get into that lineup. With a 24mm focal length and a fast F1.8 aperture, it's pitched as a do-it-all lens for everything from landscapes to low-light shooting and even some close-up work. The big question a lot of people have is, 'Is this a good budget lens for a Canon mirrorless camera?' The short answer is, it's complicated. It tries to be a jack of all trades, but as you'll see, it's a master of none.

Let's talk numbers. The autofocus lands in the 48th percentile, which basically means it's average. It'll get the job done for still subjects, but don't expect lightning speed for fast-moving scenes. The optical performance is in the 32nd percentile, so while it's sharp enough in the center, the corners can get a bit soft, especially wide open at F1.8. The 'Macro' in the name is a bit misleading, as it scores in the 16th percentile for macro capability. You can get closer than a standard lens, but true macro photographers will be disappointed. The F1.8 aperture is a highlight on paper, but its bokeh quality is only in the 7th percentile, so backgrounds can look a bit busy and nervous instead of creamy and smooth.

Priced between $535 and $599, this lens sits in an awkward spot. It's not cheap enough to be a no-brainer, and its performance doesn't really justify the price for a prime lens. You're paying for the RF mount and the Canon name. If you absolutely need a native RF wide-angle and are on a tight budget, it's an option. But for that money, you could find better-performing third-party lenses for other mounts, or save up for a sharper RF prime.

This lens has a lot of competition, even if they're not all direct RF-mount rivals. The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 for Z-mount, for example, is significantly cheaper and offers similar speed, though it's a different focal length. For Canon shooters, the real question is whether to go native or adapt an older EF lens. A used Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM, with an adapter, might cost less and offer better image stabilization and build quality. Compared to the Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro or the Fujifilm Viltrox 25mm F1.7, those lenses are often sharper and better built for similar money, but they're for different camera systems. The Sony 15mm f/1.4 G is in a different league optically and in price, but it shows what a premium wide-angle prime can do.

Should you buy the Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM? Only in a very specific scenario. If you are a Canon R shooter who needs a lightweight, stabilized wide-angle for casual use and video, and you refuse to use an adapter, this lens gets you in the door. For everyone else, it's a hard sell. The optical weaknesses are too significant for the price. I'd recommend most people either save for a better RF prime like the 35mm f/1.8, look at adapted EF lenses, or consider if a zoom lens like the RF 24-105mm STM would be more versatile for the same budget.