Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 Shows Fast Apertures Don’t Always Break the Bank

Nov 05, 2025

Jeremy Gray

A black Canon RF 50mm camera lens is shown angled slightly to the left on a plain white background. The lens features textured focus rings and a red alignment dot near the mounting end.

Canon has announced the $469.99 RF 45mm f/1.2 STM, a compact, lightweight, and affordable standard prime lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

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In Canon’s RF lens lineup, there are numerous standard primes at or near 50mm focal lengths, although until now, none quite served the mid-range enthusiast. For entry-level users, there is the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for $239. Professionals have two options to consider: the $1,549 RF 50mm f/1.4L VCM and the $2,599 RF 50mm f/1.2L USM. These are both great lenses, but they are far outside the reach of many photographers.

Enter the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM, which offers the same fast aperture as the flagship RF 50mm f/1.2L USM at a budget-friendly price, giving Canon EOS R camera owners an affordable fast prime option.

A black Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM camera lens is standing upright, showing the Canon logo, focus ring, AF/MF switch, and lens specifications on the front.

The new RF 45mm f/1.2 is not trying to be a professional lens at a not-so-pro price, but it does offer photographers a way to achieve super-shallow depth of field with a natural perspective. As Canon describes it, the lens also has “character,” which is a euphemism for the fact that it should not be expected to match the resolution of Canon’s professional L-series glass, nor should photographers anticipate a high level of aberration control. However, as the sample photos below show, the lens is no slouch. And besides, not every photographer wants a clinically sharp, optically perfect lens.

The lens is also impressively compact and lightweight. At just 75 millimeters (three inches) long and weighing 346 grams (0.76 pounds), the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is over twice as heavy as the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM, but much faster. The RF 45mm f/1.2 accepts 67mm filters.

As for its optical design, the RF 45mm f/1.2 has nine elements arranged across seven groups, including one aspherical element. This is a special aspherical lens, too, as it is one of Canon’s innovative PMo optics, which is a plastic-molded aspherical lens. These cost less to make but still promise good image quality. Speaking of image quality, the lens relies on Canon’s in-body lens corrections, which is typical, especially for lower-cost lenses that prioritize a compact form factor.

A close-up view of a black camera lens with textured grip, focus ring, and AF/MF switch, set against a white background.

The PMo lens also helps keep the lens small and light. Another space-saving measure is the gear-type STM autofocus system with magnetic detection. While Canon says this system is a bit noisier than some of its other autofocus systems, like those in L-series f/1.2 primes, it helps keep costs down.

Sample Images

A small square pistachio cake topped with raspberries and white chocolate sits on a white plate, with another dessert blurred in the background and bokeh lights.

A close-up of a green dessert bar topped with creamy white swirls and fresh raspberries, with a blurred background. — 100% crop

A close-up of a gourmet dish on a white tablecloth, with two glasses of water, a yellow drink, and a napkin, set outdoors under warm bistro lights that create a cozy, blurred background atmosphere.

A close-up of a gourmet skewer with grilled, seasoned meat, served on a bed of bright yellow pearl couscous, garnished with microgreens and diced yellow vegetables, on a white plate. — 100% crop

A person with dark blue face paint stands against a starry space background, wearing a bejeweled jacket, layered necklaces, and rings, with decorated hair and dramatic lighting highlighting a futuristic, cosmic style.