Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM

Instructions

Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.

Canon RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is a standard zoom lens for use with EOS R series cameras compatible with RF-S lenses.

* Images that have been cropped from the center of the image screen will be taken when mounted on EOS R series cameras with full-size sensors. (Equivalent to the APS-C size) Please refer to the camera's instructions for details.

Camera Firmware and Camera Applications

Please use the latest versions of firmware and applications with the camera in use. For details on whether the firmware and applications in use are the latest version or not, and for details on updating them, please check the Canon website.

"IS” stands for Image Stabilizer. "STM” stands for Stepping Motor.

Conventions used in these instructions

• [⚠] Warning to prevent lens or camera malfunction or damage.
• [i] Supplementary notes on using the lens and taking pictures.

If the camera's firmware is not a compatible version, the following limitations will apply:

• Magnified view functionality is not available.
• In some cases, the camera malfunction may occur.

* Applies to the following camera models: EOS R and EOS RP

Safety Precautions

Precautions to ensure that the camera is used safely. Read these precautions thoroughly. Make sure all details are observed in order to prevent risks and injury to the user and other people.

⚠ Warning

Details pertaining to risks that may result in death or serious injury.

• Do not look directly at the sun or other strong light sources through a lens. This may result in loss of sight.
• Do not leave a lens in the sun without the lens cap attached. The lens may concentrate entering sunlight and cause a malfunction or fire.

⚠ Caution

Details pertaining to risks that may result in injury or damage to other objects.

• Do not leave the product in places exposed to extremely high or low temperatures. The product may cause burns or injury when touched.
• Do not insert your hand or fingers into the product. This may result in injury.

General Precautions

Handling Precautions

• Do not leave the product in excessive heat such as in a car in direct sunlight. High temperatures can cause the product to malfunction.
• If the lens is taken from a cold environment into a warm one, condensation may develop on the lens surface and internal parts. To prevent condensation in this case, first put the lens into an airtight plastic bag before taking it from a cold to warm environment. Then take out the lens after it has warmed gradually. Do the same when taking the lens from a warm environment into a cold one.
• In order to optimize aperture control, there are occasions in which the aperture blades will move during zooming, even when the aperture value is set for aperture-priority AE or manual exposure, etc.
• Please also read any lens related handling precautions listed in your camera's instruction manual.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the instructions. If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAN ICES-3 (B) / NMB-3 (B)

Nomenclature

Diagram illustrating the Canon RF-S 18-45mm lens with various parts labeled, including the focusing/control ring, zoom ring, lens mount, and contacts.

• Focusing/control ring (refer to page 8)
• Lens retracted position index (refer to page 7)
• Zoom position index (refer to page 13)
• Hood mount (refer to page 15)
• Filter mounting thread (refer to page 16)
• Zoom ring (refer to page 13)
• Contacts (refer to page 6)
• Lens mount index (refer to page 6)
• Lens mount (refer to page 6)

For detailed information, reference page numbers are provided in parentheses.

1. Attaching and Detaching the Lens

Diagram showing the lens mount area of a camera and the lens, with labels for 'Lens mount index', 'Lens release button', and 'Dust cap'.

Attaching the Lens

Align the lens mount indexes of the lens and camera, and turn the lens clockwise until you hear a click.

• Set the camera's power switch to OFF when attaching or detaching the lens.
• Attach the lens cap before detaching the lens from the camera.
• After detaching the lens, place the lens with the rear end up and attach the dust cap to prevent the lens surface and contacts from getting scratched. Make sure the lens and dust cap mount indexes are aligned when attaching the dust cap.
• Contacts that are scratched, soiled, or have fingerprints on them may result in faulty connections or corrosion, which may lead to malfunctions. If the contacts get soiled, clean them with a soft cloth.

Detaching the Lens

Turn the lens counterclockwise while pressing the camera's lens release button. Detach the lens once it has stopped turning.

Please refer to the camera's instructions for details.

2. Shooting Preparations and Retracting Lens

The lens is fitted with a retraction mechanism, enabling its length to be shortened for storage. Shooting is not possible when the lens is stored. Observe the following procedure to set the lens in the position for shooting.

Preparations from Retraction to Shooting

Diagram illustrating the lens being extended for shooting. It shows the zoom ring being rotated in the direction of a white arrow until a click is heard, setting the lens in the preparatory shooting position.

• Rotate the zoom ring in the direction of the white arrow until you hear a click to set the lens in the preparatory shooting position.
• If the lens retraction position indicator is aligned with the zoom indicator, add slight pressure to rotate the zoom ring in the direction of the arrow.

Retracting Lens

1. Rotate the zoom ring from the shooting position in the opposite direction to the white arrow.
2. Continue rotating after it exceeds the wide-angle position (18mm).
3. Rotate it to the end to align the lens retraction position indicator with the zoom indicator and store it.

Take care to avoid catching your fingers, etc., between the lens extender and Focusing/Control ring.

3. Focusing/Control ring

The focusing/control ring can be used as either a focusing ring or a control ring.

Diagram showing the focusing/control ring on the lens.

Switching between the focusing ring and control ring is performed on the camera. This can only be used as a focusing ring on cameras that do not support switching*. Please refer to the camera's instructions for details.

* EOS R, RP, Ra, R5, R6

Use as a Focusing Ring

Set the focus mode (AF/MF) on the camera. To shoot in autofocus (AF) mode, set the camera's focus mode to AF. To use only manual focusing (MF), set the camera's focus mode to MF, and focus by turning the focusing ring (focusing/control ring).

• When the AF does not operate after switching the focus mode from [MF] to [AF] and when the focus mode is not displayed on the camera's menu, turn the focus ring in the direction of [Infinity] until the focusing position is within the [AF in-focus range].
• It is not possible to switch the focus mode to [AF] if the focus lens's focusing position is within the [MF-only range], at which the focus can only be aligned in the MF mode.
• Refer to 4. Taking Closeup Shots in the Manual Focusing (MF) Mode for further details.

Focusing/control ring

Use as a Control Ring

Set the control ring function using the camera's menu. The control ring can be assigned the functions that are commonly used with cameras, such as shutter speed and aperture settings. Please refer to the camera's instructions for details on how to use the control ring.

• The lens does not have a focus mode switch or a focusing/control selector switch.
• Delayed focus may occur if the focusing ring (focusing/control ring) is quickly turned.

• The lens' focusing ring (focusing/control ring) is electronic.
• With a camera capable of electronic full-time manual focus, manual focusing is possible in both One-Shot AF and Servo AF modes. However, this requires a change in camera settings.
• When AF operation is set to One-Shot AF, manual focus is possible after autofocusing has been completed by continuing to press the shutter button halfway (electronic manual focus function). However, this requires a change in camera settings.

Please refer to the camera's instructions for details.

4. Taking Closeup Shots in the Manual Focusing (MF) Mode

Shots taken with the camera's manual focusing (MF) mode when using this lens make the subject seem closer and larger than with the autofocus (AF) mode.

Wide-end Examples:

The focusing distance ranges of the wide end are shown below:

• AF in-focus range: 0.2 m/0.66 ft. to ∞
• MF in-focus range: 0.15 m/0.49 ft. to ∞

Focusing within a range of 0.15 m/0.49 ft. to less than 0.2 m/0.66 ft. is possible only when using the MF mode. (MF-only range)

• The [AF in-focus range] and [MF in-focus range] will differ in accordance with the focal length.
• Refer to the specifications on page 17 for details on the range of focusing distances apart from with wide-angle lenses.
• The focusing distance represents the distance between the [ ] mark (focal plane mark) on the camera and the subject.

Diagram illustrating AF and MF focusing at the wide end. AF shows a focus range from 0.2m/0.66ft. MF shows a focus range from 0.15m/0.49ft. Both diagrams show a subject and focal plane.

Taking Closeup Shots in the Manual Focusing (MF) Mode

Take the following steps for shooting in the [MF-only range]:

1. Set the focusing/control ring on the camera to the focusing ring.
2. Set the focusing mode on the camera to [MF].
3. Turn the focusing ring in the short-range direction to move the focusing position from [AF in-focus range] to [MF-only range]. (*Notes 1 & 2)
4. Manually focus on the subject while in the [MF-only range] and take the picture.

Note 1: It is possible to move the focus to the [MF-only range] with the use of the lens's electronic manual focusing function*1 or the electronic full-time manual focusing function*2 with the camera's focus mode still set at [AF]. The camera focus mode will automatically switch to [MF] when the focusing position enters the [MF-only range] during this.

Note 2: It is not possible to switch the focus mode to [AF] when the focusing position is in the [MF-only range]. In order to switch to [AF], turn the focusing ring in the direction of [Infinity] until the focusing position enters the [AF in-focus range].

*1 A function that enables the focus to be adjusted manually if the shutter button continues to be pressed halfway after performing AF operations when the camera's AF operation mode is set at One-Shot AF.

*2 A function that enables the focus to be adjusted manually in both the One-Shot AF and Servo AF modes. However, it is necessary to amend the camera settings for both functions *1 and *2. Please refer to the camera's instructions for details.

The following limitations are in effect when the focus point is within the [MF-only range]:

• The image quality will decline compared to the [AF in-focus range]. It is therefore recommended that you shoot while checking the images after each shot.
• Detection accuracy levels for the focus guide function will be lowered. Use the focus guide function within the [AF in-focus range].
• It is not possible to align the focus when taking remote shots with PCs and smartphones.

Taking Closeup Shots in the Manual Focusing (MF) Mode

It is possible to check the focusing position with the use of the camera's focusing distance display function*3.

Wide-angle focusing distance display (image)

Diagram showing a focusing distance scale from 0.2 to ∞, with an orange vertical line indicating the current position and a white line indicating the usable range. Labeled as '18mm'.

Telephoto focusing distance display (image)

Diagram showing a focusing distance scale from 0.2 to ∞, with an orange vertical line indicating the current position and a white line indicating the usable range. Labeled as '45mm'.

Camera monitor display (image)

Diagram showing a camera monitor displaying focus information, including distance scales and indicators.

The illustrations on the left above are enlarged images of the camera's focusing distance display areas*4.

• The short-range direction is on the left, the infinity symbol on the right indicates the infinity direction, and the numerals on the right-hand side indicate the focal length.
• The orange vertical line shown in (1) indicates the current focusing position.
• The range of the white line shown in (2) indicates the range of focusing positions that can be used for shooting.
• The range shown in (3) is the [MF-only range] within which the focus can be aligned only when in the [MF] mode.
• The range shown in (4) is the range within which the focus can be aligned when in both the [MF] and [AF] modes. The focus can only be aligned within the range shown in (4) when in the [AF] mode.

*3 Refer to the camera's instruction manual for details on displaying the [Focusing Distance Display].

*4 The [AF in-focus range] and [MF in-focus range] will differ in accordance with the focal length, which means that the focusing distance display will vary with the focal length.

5. Zooming

Diagram showing the zoom ring on the lens.

To zoom, turn the lens' zoom ring.

• Be sure to finish zooming before focusing. Zooming after focusing can affect the focus.
• Blurring may temporarily occur if the zoom ring is quickly turned.

6. Image Stabilizer

This function provides image stabilization appropriate for shooting conditions (such as shooting still subjects and panning shots).

The Image Stabilizer is turned ON and OFF with the camera settings. Please refer to the camera's instructions for details.

• The Image Stabilizer cannot compensate for a blurred shot caused by a subject that moved.
• The Image Stabilizer may not be fully effective if you shoot from a violently shaking vehicle or other transportation.
• When using a tripod, it is recommended that the image stabilizer is set at OFF.
• Even with a monopod, the Image Stabilizer will be as effective as during hand-held shooting. However, depending on the shooting conditions, there are cases in which the Image Stabilizer effect may be less effective.

• The Image Stabilizer will work in combination with cameras with in-body Image Stabilizer.

Image Stabilizer

The Image Stabilizer for this lens is suited to hand-held shots in the following conditions:

• In semi-darkened areas such as indoors or outdoors at night.
• In locations where the flash cannot be used, such as art museums and theater stages.
• In situations where your footing is uncertain.
• In situations where fast shutter speed settings cannot be used.
• Panning shots of vehicles, trains, etc.

It compensates for vertical camera shake during panning shots in a horizontal direction, and compensates for horizontal camera shake during panning shots in a vertical direction.

7. Hood (Sold separately)

The custom lens hood reduces unwanted light that causes flare and ghosting and protects the front of the lens from rain, snow, and dust.

Attaching the Hood

Diagram showing the lens hood being attached to the lens, indicating alignment of 'Attachment position mark' and 'Red dot'. Another diagram shows the 'Red dot' aligning with the 'Stop position mark' for firm attachment.

Align the red attachment position mark on the hood with the red dot on the front of the lens, and then turn the hood in the direction of the arrow until the red dot on the lens is aligned with the stop position mark on the hood and the hood is firmly attached.

Detaching the Hood

Rotate the hood in the direction of the arrow until the hood attachment position mark is aligned with the red indicator on the front of the lens to remove it. The hood can be reverse-mounted on the lens for storage.

• If the hood is not attached properly, vignetting (darkening of the perimeter of the picture) may occur.
• Grasp and turn the base of the hood when attaching and detaching it. There are cases in which it may become deformed if the hood is turned with it grasped near to the rim.

8. Filters (Sold separately)

You can attach filters to the filter mounting thread on the front of the lens.

• Only one filter may be attached.

Specifications

Specifications

• Focal length images will be 29-72 mm when converted to the 35 mm format.
• The lens length is measured from the lens mount surface to the front end of the lens. Add 23.9 mm/0.94 in. when including the lens cap and dust cap.
• The maximum diameter, length and weight listed are for the lens itself only.
• Close-up Lens 250D/500D cannot be attached because there is no size that fits the lens.
• You cannot use extenders.
• Multiple exposure shooting is not possible when using this lens on certain cameras*. * EOS R, RP, Ra, R5, R6
• There are cases in which using the zoom function during continuous shooting may result in conspicuous image distortion.
• All data listed is measured according to Canon standards.
• Photos shown are for illustration purposes only.
• Product specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

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