Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM vs Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

Both are Canon RF mount zooms for everyday and travel — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.

Last verified 2026-09-01 · Canon RF mount · prices change — check the retailer

Spec	Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM	Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
Focal length	24-105mm	18-45mm
Max aperture	f/4	f/4.5-6.3
Type	zoom	zoom
Coverage	full-frame	APS-C
Mount	Canon RF	Canon RF

Which should you buy?

the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM opens wider (f/4) — brighter in low light and more background blur
the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM covers 24-105mm and the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM covers 18-45mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot
the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM covers full-frame (also works on APS-C bodies); the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is APS-C-only — it won't fill a full-frame sensor

Where to buy

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L is USM Zoom Lens, Black, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras

Check the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM price on Amazon →

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Check the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM price on Amazon → We could not find this one on Amazon US in Canon RF — this button runs an Amazon search for it rather than opening a product page.

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FAQ

What's the difference between the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM and the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM?
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is 24-105mm f/4 zoom, full-frame; the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 zoom, APS-C. Both fit the Canon RF mount.

Which is better in low light, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM or the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM?
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM — its f/4 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/4.5-6.3 of the other.

Do the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM and Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Canon RF mount lenses, so they fit Canon EOS R series (full-frame R5/R6/R8) and APS-C (R7/R10/R50). Note the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is APS-C-only and won't fill a full-frame sensor.

Citing these specs? Go ahead — manufacturer data, last verified 2026-09-01. Copy a ready-made reference:

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Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USMAffiliate linkAmazon →