Canon's compact RF-mount kit zoom with a narrow range but tiny footprint.
The Canon RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM was released in 2022 as a compact collapsible standard zoom for entry-level EOS R-system bodies including the R10, R50, and R100. The retractable barrel design reduces storage length, making the body-and-lens combination genuinely pocketable with compact RF bodies. It fills the role previously occupied by EF-S 18-55mm kit zooms but in a native RF mount, covering a 38-80mm equivalent field of view on full-frame bodies or 38-80mm on APS-C bodies without sensor crop.
The optical design uses 10 elements in 8 groups. The 67mm filter thread is less common on compact RF kit lenses — most standard filter collections will require a step-up ring from smaller sizes. At 210g the lens is among the lightest RF-mount zooms, keeping the combined weight with an EOS R50 or R100 manageable for carry. Minimum focus distance is 0.73m — suited to general distance and portrait use but not close-up or macro-type work. IS provides 4.5 stops of compensation independently; Canon's Coordinated IS on compatible bodies extends this to up to 7 stops combined. The STM stepping motor is smooth and near-silent for video recording.
For everyday photography, travel, and casual video the 24-50mm covers the most common compositional distances on full-frame bodies. The retractable barrel makes the lens genuinely pocketable in a jacket pocket with an EOS R50 or similar — a practical advantage over longer-barrelled kit options. The 0.73m minimum focus distance is a practical constraint: subjects closer than arm's length cannot be focused. The 50mm long end limits telephoto reach relative to 55mm or 55-250mm alternatives.
On the used market the RF 24-50mm IS STM is available at low prices, often as part of a body kit. Condition checks: IS operation, STM motor response, and retractable barrel mechanism (confirm it extends and locks smoothly). The Canon RF-S 18-45mm provides a wider range on APS-C RF bodies at similar weight. For full-frame RF shooters the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM offers substantially more range at modest additional weight and cost.