Photographers looking for versatility now have more options to choose from, with Canon Australia launching two new RF mount lenses locally to support its growing range of mirrorless full frame cameras.
Both are compatible with the new Canon EOS R cameras released in recent months – including the EOS R5 C from earlier this year – with the RF 24mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM and RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM geared towards various scenarios. Whether it be macro, portrait, or landscape photography, they offer more than your standard kit lens.
Up close with the RF 24mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM
Weighing in at only 270 grams, the RF 24mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM is a light piece of glass suited for everyday photography. It’s made especially for getting up close and personal with a subject and capturing every detail. With a wide aperture and circular 9-blade design, the 24mm lens is ideal for night and low-light photography, capturing plenty of light to get the exposure you need. Not to mention it’s also a good way to ensure soft bokeh-filled backgrounds.
Because of the extremely shallow depth-of-field that results from a wide aperture, the lens has a dedicated focus ring to ensure greater precision when framing a shot. When a tripod isn’t practical, it includes a 5-stop Optical Image Stabiliser, helping keep photos and video steady. Paired with an EOS R series camera that includes Body Image Stabilisation, this increases to a further 6.5 stops.
Capturing scale with the RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
Moderately heavier than its counterpart, the 390-gram RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens is perfect for landscape photography. Canon advertises this one for travel enthusiasts and vloggers thanks to its versatile focal length, which is also helpful when you don’t have much room to shoot in.
Similar to the 24mm lens, the 15-30mm glass includes 5 stops of in-built image stabilisation. Only this time, it increases up to 7 stops when used with a body-stabilising EOS R series camera. Another perk of both lenses is they both use a leadscrew-type STM focusing motor, meaning fast focusing between moving subjects.
Both lenses are available locally in August, with the RF 24mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM retailing for $1,049, and the RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is slightly cheaper at $969. When purchased from an authorised Canon Australia reseller, they come with a five-year warranty for that extra peace of mind.
Based on the specs alone, both lenses look like decent options for Canon photographers who like getting close to subjects or want to fit everything into one shot. If you’re curious about how RF lenses work, Canon has a handy guide.
