Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

The Canon RF‑S 10‑18mm F4.5‑6.3 IS STM Lens is a compact ultra‑wide‑angle zoom crafted specifically for Canon’s RF‑S mount APS‑C mirrorless cameras such as the EOS R10, R50, and other EOS R models with crop sensors. With a focal range of 10–18 mm, this lens provides the 35 mm equivalent of approximately 16–29 mm, allowing photographers and videographers to capture broad scenes with a dramatic perspective — perfect for landscapes, architecture, interiors, vlogging, and creative video work where a wide field of view enhances storytelling and composition.

This lens combines high‑quality optics with a lightweight, portable form factor — weighing only about 150 g and measuring approximately 69 × 44.9 mm when retracted — making it one of the most travel‑friendly ultra‑wide zooms available for Canon’s APS‑C mirrorless system.

Optical Performance

The optical design consists of 12 elements in 10 groups, including two UD (Ultra‑Low Dispersion) elements and one plastic molded aspherical lens, which work together to suppress chromatic aberration, control distortion, and maintain sharpness across the zoom range. These elements help the lens deliver clear, vibrant imagery from corner to corner — even at the widest focal lengths, where distortion is most likely to occur. Canon’s Super Spectra Coating further enhances color fidelity and reduces flare and ghosting when shooting in bright or backlit conditions.

Focus and Close‑Up Capabilities

Autofocus is driven by a leadscrew‑type Stepping Motor (STM), which provides smooth, fast, and near‑silent autofocus — particularly useful during video recording and when capturing action or quick snapshots. Full‑time manual focus override allows precise control without needing to switch out of autofocus mode.

The lens performs well for close‑up shooting too. In autofocus mode, it can focus as close as 0.14 m (14 cm) with a maximum magnification of 0.23× at 18 mm, allowing photographers to capture environmental close‑up shots with significant context behind the subject. In manual focus, it can focus down to 0.086 m (8.6 cm) with a magnification up to 0.5×, enabling even more creative wide‑angle close‑ups with dramatic foreground emphasis.

Image Stabilization

The RF‑S 10‑18mm includes Optical Image Stabilization (IS) that provides up to 4 stops of shake correction on its own, which helps reduce blur in handheld shooting, especially in lower light or video scenarios. When paired with a Canon mirrorless body equipped with In‑Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), the Coordinated IS system can deliver up to 6 stops of combined stabilization — offering smoother footage and sharper images even at slower shutter speeds.

Design and Handling

This lens is designed with portability and ease of use in mind. Its ultra‑compact size and lightweight build make it ideal for travel, walk‑around shooting, and vlogging — especially for content creators who prefer a minimal kit without sacrificing wide‑angle flexibility. The 49 mm filter thread allows for easy use of standard filters like polarizers or ND filters.

While it does not feature professional‑grade weather‑sealing, the RF‑S 10‑18mm still delivers reliable performance in everyday shooting conditions. The lens’s wide field of view and effective close‑focus capabilities make it a useful choice for capturing expansive landscapes, group photos in tight spaces, dramatic interiors, and immersive video content without needing to step further back from your subject.