Canon's budget RF-mount standard zoom — lightweight kit lens covering 24-105mm with IS, but slow aperture.
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM launched in 2020 as Canon's most affordable full-frame RF-mount standard zoom. It covers the versatile 24-105mm range at a fraction of the weight and cost of the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, trading aperture speed for portability.
Optical quality is decent for a budget zoom — sharp in the centre with acceptable corner performance at most focal lengths. The f/7.1 maximum aperture at 105mm is very slow, limiting use in low light at the long end. IS provides approximately 5 stops of stabilisation.
Canon RF mount with 67mm filter thread. Weighs just 395g — incredibly light for a full-frame 24-105mm. Plastic mount and barrel. STM motor for smooth, quiet AF — good for video. Minimum focus distance 13cm in centre macro mode — impressive close-up capability.
Very common used as it is widely bundled with Canon R6, R8, and RP bodies. Extremely affordable. The f/4-7.1 variable aperture is the main compromise — the L version at f/4 constant is much more capable. Good as a travel lens where weight matters more than aperture.