Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 18mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.43x magnification vs 0.29x.
Choose the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 45mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is 10-18mm, Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is 18-45mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM or the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM if you shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 18mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.43x magnification vs 0.29x.
Who should choose the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM if you need more reach — it goes to 45mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM and the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM?
Focal range: Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is 10-18mm, Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is 18-45mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 10-18mm | 18-45mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 110° – 76° | 76° – 35° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 16-29mm | 29-72mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 12 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.43x | 0.29x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $299 | $299 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 49mm |
| Diameter | 68.4mm | 68.1mm |
| Length | 48.8mm | 44.8mm |
| Weight | 150g (5.3 oz) | 149g (5.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
