Let’s take a comprehensive look at the important features and specifications of the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Lens (Amazon, B&H) and see how good it will perform specifically for video, cinematography and filmmaking.
The aim of this article is to provide you with enough information and perspective so you can decide for yourself whether this lens is right for your film or video.
Important: This article is a comprehensive overview of the lens with available information; and an analysis based on our experience shooting for almost two decades. It is not a hands-on review. If and when we get hold of the lens we’ll be sure to publish a detailed review. If this is not your cup of tea you can stop reading.
Here’s the official Canon video:
Click to what you want quickly:
- TLDR;
- EF vs RF:
- Features:
- Control:
- Basics:
- Alternatives to the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3L IS USM
TLDR;
What you need to know for video work about the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Lens (Amazon, B&H):
- The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Lens is a versatile zoom lens that can be a great first lens or backup lens. Great focal range but at the expense of a smaller and variable max. aperture (f/4-f/6.3), and optical and build quality.
- Not a constant aperture. A variable aperture of the range f/4-f/6.3.
- Focus ring can be changed to fly-by-wire for follow focus work.
- Control ring can be de-clicked for a small fee at a Canon service center for aperture transitions.
- The lens has Image Stabilization up to 5 stops. You will get even better stabilization with a Canon R camera (R5, R6, etc.) that has IBIS as well.
- Great for dual pixel autofocus for video.
- It is not a parfocal lens.
Can be great for the following types of filmmaking:
- Wildlife filmmaking
- Event coverage
- Travel filmmaking
- Documentary filmmaking
EF vs RF: What’s the difference?
Difference between the RF and EF mount
Both are lens mounts specific to Canon. Let’s take a look at some important distinctions.
Flange focal distance
The RF is a new lens mount, with a smaller flange focal distance.
Here’s how the flange focal distance compares:
| Mount | Flange Focal Distance |
|---|---|
| RF | 20mm |
| EF | 44mm |
EF lenses were designed for DSLRs. Now with the mirror gone, that’s space and weight savings. However, that’s not the only advantage.
Canon (and every one else) maintains the smaller flange focal distance allows for larger apertures (for some focal lengths), better corner to corner sharpness and reduced light fall off.
Ergonomics
RF lenses are supposed to be lighter, making them easier to handle for photography, but slightly problematic for video. Weight gives better stability and smoother movement for most use cases. For gimbal, drone and steadicam use, the lower weight is an advantage because a lighter lens puts less strain on motors, and the human arms that have to hold it up.
The RF mount is equipped with 12 communicator pins compared to 8 pin connection of the EF mount. Canon claims this contributes towards quicker autofocus, better AF tracking and improved image stabilization.
Canon has redesigned the focus actuators for a hassle-free filming. They claim the new Nano USM and Dual Nano USM have been designed for video. Canon claims that the introduction of these actuators in RF lenses will result in a quieter and quicker autofocus.
The last major change is in the optics. Canon have redesigned the optics from the ground up to account for the smaller flange focal distance. This one simple change considerably changes the optical characteristics and challenges.
Naturally the prices of RF lenses match the high quality Canon have put into these series! The assurance is, the quality isn’t compromised, and with proper care Canon RF lenses should last for years. Let’s compare the EF version of the 28-300mm (the closest EF variant) with its newer RF counterpart.
Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM vs RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM
| Lens | RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM | EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM |
| Filter Thread | 72mm | 77mm |
| Size | 80.4mm x 122.5mm | 92mm x 184mm |
| Weight | 750g | 1,670g |
| Lens Control | Ring control | none |
| Closest Focusing Distance | Wide: 1.64 ft/ 0.50 m Telephoto: 2.56 ft/ 0.78 m | 2.3ft/ 0.7m |
| Image stabilization | 5 Stops | 4 stops |
| Max. Aperture | f/4-6.3 | f/3.5-f/5.6 |
| Min. Aperture | f/22-38 | f/22-40 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 blades | 8 blades |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 84° – 10°20 | 75° – 8° 15’ |
This isn’t an apples to apples comparison. One is an L-series lens and the other isn’t.
The Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM (Amazon, B&H) is longer and wider than the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (Amazon, B&H). The RF version weighs less, and is not of the same build quality as the L-series lens.
The RF 24-240mm has different close focusing distances when it is wide and at telephoto. At the wide end it can be considered as an improvement over the EF variant as it is 20 cm closer. However, this comes at a smaller aperture over the entire focal range.
Canon claims that the RF lens has better image stabilization and smoother, quieter autofocus. The Canon EF 28-300mm has one extra blade compared the RF 24-240mm, though I don’t see that as a huge difference in terms of performance expected from this zoom range.
RF lenses come with a special customizable control ring this can be customized to change exposure on the go. This is only available on cameras that natively have an RF mount.
Features
Coverage
The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (Amazon, B&H) is a full frame lens. It is designed to completely cover a sensor the size of 36mm x 24mm.
If you are considering this lens for an APS-C sensor at 1.6x crop you’ll. get an effective focal range of 38-384mm. Check out this article for general information on crop factors:
Focal Range
The minimum focal length is 24mm. This is considered wide on a full frame 35mm sensor.
The maximum focal length is 240mm. This is considered telephoto on a full frame 35mm sensor.
The focal range is designed to be versatile and find a middle ground for everyone that can possibly pick up a camera and shoot something. It’s a good “first-kit” general purpose lens. It’s also a relatively inexpensive backup lens that stays in your bag unless it’s an emergency or when you want that extra telephoto reach.
Aperture
The maximum aperture at 24mm is f/4. At 240mm it is f/6.3. The minimum aperture is f/22 at 24mm and f/38 at 240mm.
The maximum aperture range (approximate):
- 24mm – f/4
- 25-35mm – f/4.5
- 50mm – f/5
- 70-100mm – f/5.6
- 150-240mm – f/6.3
Let’s say you fixed your aperture at f/4 at 24mm and decided to zoom into 240mm for a quick close up. Your aperture will change to f/6.3 automatically and you have to compensate for exposure. This is the issue with variable aperture lenses, and why they are not so useful for video.
The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (Amazon, B&H) has 7 rounded diaphragm blades, unlike other RF lenses who have 9.
Resolution
From Canon’s official MTF charts:
The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (Amazon, B&H) is a good kit lens, optically speaking. The sharpness holds steady over 24mm from center to edges, and the same can be said at 240mm.
However, the sharpness at 240mm doesn’t match 24mm. Which means getting shots to match will be hard. You’ll have to add sharpening to the telephoto lenses. You get what you pay for. You can’t expect this much of a zoom range without compromises.
With the variance in the Sagittal and Tangential lines, you can infer (somewhat) that the bokeh won’t be smooth as the better zoom lenses in the RF lineup.
If you are curious and want to read the MTF chart for yourself. Here’s a guide on how to read them easily.
Close Focus
The closest focusing distance is 0.5 meters or 1.64 feet at 24mm. At 240mm it changes to 0.78 meters or 2.56 feet.
The close focusing distance is definitely useful and par for the course.
Image Stabilization
Canon claims that the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (Amazon, B&H) has up to 5 stops of Image stabilization (IS).
5 stops? 8 stops? What are these stops?
How do you calculate Image Stabilization? Check this out:
Canon claims pairing the 5-axis IBIS-equipped Canon EOS R5 or Canon EOS R6 with an IS-equipped lens can deliver 6-stops of combined IS. This can be toggled on and off if you choose so.
It’s obvious the best stabilization is realized when an RF lens with IS is combined with an R-body camera with IBIS. E.g., the 24-240mm f/4-6.3 will be more stabilized on a Canon EOS R5 over a Red Komodo (which also has an RF mount).
Is it Parfocal?
The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (Amazon, B&H) is not a parfocal lens. To know what a parfocal lens is, check this out:
Control
Manual focus system
By default the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (Amazon, B&H) is set to ‘fly by wire’.
Even though the Canon RF focus ring is technically a ‘focus by wire’ system, the RF lenses are the first line of lenses in the world which have enabled turning focus by wire off.
There’s no “AF/MF” switch on the lens. You get to pick between FOCUS and CONTROL (see photo above). When it’s set to FOCUS, rotating the control ring will provide Manual Focus.
You can always change the Focus Mode in the camera to MF to get manual focus.
What is the meaning of focus by wire and fly by wire?
Focus by wire: Let’s say you turn the focus ring to change focus from point A to B. You’d expect the focus to shift accordingly. When you stop point B will be in focus. Now bring the focus point back to A and try again, but at a different speed. Slower or faster, doesn’t matter. Now, even if you precisely rotate to the exact same degree, the focus will not be on point B! The speed of rotation determines which point it is focused on. That’s just completely useless for follow focus work. If an actor or person moves at a different speed, evens lightly, you’ll never get the same focus. Avoid focus by wire lenses like the plague (for video work).
Fly by wire: The distance of focus shifted is directly proportional to the speed at which the ring is turned. This is how a manual focus ring is supposed to operate for video and cinematography.
How to change to fly by wire on RF lenses
You can switch to ‘link to rotational degree’ where the focusing distance will be directly proportional to the rotational degree regardless of the rotational speed.
It is a quick two-step affair that requires you going into the Canon menu and switching the RF manual focus ring sensitivity to ‘linked to rotational degree’ instead of ‘varies with rotational speed’.
This feature will be exceptionally useful for anyone who wants absolute control over the focus ring.
This feature makes an RF lens a game changer for many videographers, filmmakers and cinematographers.
Autofocus system
Dual Pixel Autofocus is, without a doubt, one of the most revered video autofocus systems in the world. Canon claims the new AF actuators will help focusing to be smooth and phantom-quiet.
They have made the motors smaller and smoother with the new Nano USM and Dual Nano USM. The practical application of these new motors can only be judged in real time scenarios.
The dual pixel AF system works better (in theory) than original EF lenses on native EF bodies.
I don’t expect it to work in the same speed at 24mm as it does with 240mm. Unlike the more expensive zoom lenses you don’t get to pick focal ranges for optimal AF.
Zoom Ring
The zoom ring allows you to manually change the focal length from 24mm to 240mm and anywhere in between.
This lens does have lens lock which lock the lens from extending at 24mm. This will be very helpful in transportation of the lens.
Zoom extension
The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (Amazon, B&H) has a double barrel zoom extension of about 70mm. That’s not inconsiderable, and is par for the course for this type of kit lens.
Control System
Canon RF lenses come with an extra customizable ring. Usually, the ring is a third ring, in addition to the zoom and focus rings. But in RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM you only have two rings but the lens has an option to switch one of the control rings from focus control to lens control.
Since there is not enough room on the lens, Canon has made this decision of integrating two rings into one.
This ring is only customizable with cameras that have a native RF mount, such as the Canon EOS R5/6 and Canon EOS C70.
To toggle the Control Ring on and customize it to control one of the exposure determinants, follow these steps:
- Go into Settings
- Go to the Customize dials option
- Select Control Ring and switch it to Enabled.
- Now you can customize it to control aperture, shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation.
Some videographers will find it helpful in riding the aperture due to its favorable placement right on the lens close to the focus and zoom ring.
Although the turn of the ring appears to be smooth, there is a soft clicking sound. Some might find it inconvenient. If you want to remove the sound you can.
The clicking of the control ring on every RF lens is removable through a chargeable service fee of about $79.99 (depending on your country) at your nearest Canon service center.
Basics
Filter Thread
The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (Amazon, B&H) has a filter thread diameter of 72mm. This is the most common “large” filter diameter.
It makes it easier for people with EF lenses to pick up RF lenses and use the same filters. Do you need a UV filter? Technically, no, though. I keep one at all times on my lenses to protect the front element from scratches and dust. If you’re shooting outside (or just somebody popping champagne 50 feet away) you know it’s important to get water off your front element!
Build Quality
The majority of the lens exterior is plastic, though the lenses don’t feel cheap.
The optical design consists of 21 elements in 15 groups, including one aspherical lens element and two UD elements.
Size and Weight
The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (Amazon, B&H) has a diameter of 80.4mm and a length of 122.5mm. It is shorter than the EF variant and is quite handy to fit in smaller camera bags
The weight is about 750 grams. It’s not feather light, but it’s really light for its zoom range. Great for treks in your lightweight Osprey shoulder bag!
Weather resistance
Canon claims that all RF lenses are weather sealed. But again this only holds true if the camera body you will be using is also weather sealed. No camera is truly and officially weather sealed, so the best you can hope for is reliable weather resistance.
Keep in mind that this lens is not an L-series lens and will not have the same weather resistance an L-series lens does.
What’s in the box
This is what you get in the box (other than the lens):
- Lens cap (E-72 II)
That’s it. And the box.
Alternatives to the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Lens
If you are on the fence about either renting or buying the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM for your next film or project maybe these lenses will be interesting alternatives:
- If you don’t want telephoto: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM (Amazon, B&H) – better optical quality, quieter AF, at a smaller zoom range. Cheaper.
- Best bang for your buck: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM (Amazon, B&H) – Constant aperture, smaller zoom range, more expensive but is an L-series lens. Read more about it here:
I hope you found this overview of the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM (Amazon, B&H) useful. If we have missed out on something, please let us know in the comments below.
