Introduction

The Canon RF24-105mm F4-71 IS STM 4111C002 is marketed as a versatile and compact lens, ideal for everyday shooting and travel photography. Having spent several weeks putting this lens through its paces in various conditions, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This isn’t just a quick overview; I’ve explored its capabilities in low light, during macro photography, and across a wide range of shooting scenarios.

Key Features

The RF24-105mm F4-71 IS STM boasts several impressive features. Its 24-105mm zoom range offers excellent flexibility, allowing you to capture everything from wide-angle landscapes to tighter portraits. The constant f/4 aperture ensures consistent performance across the zoom range, and the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) provides up to 5 stops of shake correction, which is truly noticeable, even in challenging lighting. The inclusion of a macro mode is also a welcome addition, enabling close-up shots with impressive detail.

Performance & Image Quality

Image quality is generally excellent across the zoom range. Sharpness is impressive, even at the edges of the frame, and color rendition is accurate and pleasing. The lens handles chromatic aberration well, with minimal fringing even when shooting high-contrast scenes. The auto-focus system is snappy and reliable, delivering fast and accurate focusing in most situations. Low-light performance is also commendable, with minimal noise even at higher ISO settings, thanks in part to the image stabilization. The macro capabilities are surprisingly effective, allowing for detailed close-up shots with excellent sharpness. While not a true macro lens, it performs admirably for its class.

I tested the lens extensively in various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dimly lit interiors. In low light, the image stabilization really shone, allowing for hand-held shots that would otherwise be blurry. Even during video recording, the stabilization maintained a smooth, professional look. The build quality feels robust and premium, reassuring for a lens that will likely see significant use.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Versatile zoom range, excellent image quality, effective image stabilization, fast and accurate autofocus, compact and lightweight design, good macro capabilities.
• Cons: The f/4 maximum aperture might limit low-light performance compared to faster lenses. Autofocus speed can occasionally slow down in very low light situations. While compact, it’s not the smallest lens in its class.

Final Verdict

The Canon RF24-105mm F4-71 IS STM 4111C002 is a highly capable and versatile lens. Its excellent image quality, effective stabilization, and convenient zoom range make it a strong contender for photographers and videographers alike. While it might not be the perfect lens for every situation, its strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses. The compact design and robust build quality add to its overall appeal. I would highly recommend this lens to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile all-around option for their Canon RF system.