Ultra-wideangle Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM zoom

For users of its APS-C RF-mount cameras, Canon has introduced a tiny new ultra-wideangle zoom. The Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is designed for models such as the EOS R10 and R50, offering a 16-29mm equivalent range. The firm says the lens should be ideal for such subjects as landscapes, travel photography, or vlogging.

It will also fit on the higher-end EOS R7, but it doesn’t match that camera’s higher-end aspirations especially well.

Clearly the biggest attraction of this new optic is its sheer portability, aided by a collapsing zoom design. It measures a mere 4.5cm in length when fully retracted and weighs just 190g. This has been achieved thanks to the relatively small aperture and lightweight plastic barrel construction, including a plastic mounting plate. Despite its ultra-wide view, the lens employs relatively small 49mm filters.

Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM on EOS R50

Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM on the EOS R50. Credit: Andy Westlake

Optical stabilisation is built in, promising 4 stops of benefit on its own, rising to 6 stops when used on a camera with in-body stabilisation. An STM motor promises smooth and quiet focusing, with a minimum focus distance of just 14cm. In manual focus you can get even closer to your subject, with Canon promising half life-size magnification. As with the firm’s other entry-level lenses, there’s a combined focus/control ring. But there’s no space on the lens for a switch to set its function, so that’s done from the camera body.