Canon RF 24mm f1.8 Macro IS STM Lens

The Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is a versatile wide‑angle prime lens designed for Canon EOS R‑series mirrorless cameras. Combining a 24 mm focal length with a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, this lens performs well in low‑light situations, delivers smooth background blur (“bokeh”), and provides a natural field of view that’s well‑suited for landscape, architecture, environmental portraits, and street photography.

A standout feature of this lens is its macro capability — with a minimum focusing distance of approximately 0.14 m and up to 0.5× magnification, you can shoot close‑ups of small subjects while still capturing broad scenes, giving creative flexibility not commonly found in standard wide primes.

The lens incorporates Canon’s optical Image Stabilization (IS) system, rated at up to about 5 stops of shake reduction on its own, and up to 6.5 stops when paired with a camera body that offers in‑body image stabilization (IBIS) — making handheld shooting easier in lower light or at slow shutter speeds.

Autofocus is handled by a Stepping Motor (STM), which delivers smooth, quiet, and precise focusing — beneficial for both still photography and video recording. A customizable control ring on the lens barrel allows direct adjustment of settings such as aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation, improving usability on the fly.

Despite being capable and feature‑rich, the lens remains compact and lightweight (approx. 270 g) and accepts 52 mm filters. Its optical construction includes 11 elements in 9 groups, including a UD (Ultra‑Low Dispersion) element and an aspherical element for improved clarity and minimized aberrations, along with super spectral coatings to resist flare and ghosting.

Key Specifications

• Focal Length: 24 mm (wide‑angle)

• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8

• Minimum Aperture: f/22

• Lens Mount: Canon RF (full‑frame compatible)

• Format Coverage: Full‑Frame / APS‑C (≈38.4 mm equivalent)

• Closest Focusing Distance: 0.14 m (14 cm)

• Maximum Magnification: 0.5× (1:2)

• Optical Image Stabilization: Yes (≈5 stops; ~6.5 stops with IBIS)

• Autofocus Motor: STM (Stepping Motor)

• Optical Design: 11 elements in 9 groups (including UD, aspherical)

• Diaphragm Blades: 9 (rounded)

• Filter Thread: 52 mm

• Dimensions: Approx. ⌀74.4 × 63.1 mm

• Weight: Approx. 270 g

Ideal Use Cases

• Landscape and architecture — wide 24 mm field of view captures expansive scenes with excellent clarity.

• Street and travel photography — compact, lightweight, and quick to focus.

• Macro and close‑up creativity — shoot near‑life‑size details while retaining environmental context.

• Low‑light and creative blur — bright aperture and image stabilization help in dim conditions and produce pleasing out‑of‑focus backgrounds.

• Video and vlogging — quiet STM autofocus and IS provide smooth, stable footage.