Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM Is a Fast All-Purpose Prime for Under $500

Canon just added a new lens to its RF lineup, and even I, a Nikon shooter, got intrigued. The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM features a fast aperture, versatile focal length, and a price tag that might raise eyebrows — in a good way. It’s a compact prime with serious low-light chops, lovely bokeh, and smooth autofocus, all for under $500.

[Related Reading: Canon R6 Mark III: 7K Video, 40fps, and a Bigger Sensor]

Big Bokeh in a Small Package

Canon’s new 45mm f/1.2 lens offers a unique blend of features that make it a solid option for both stills and video shooters. That ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture means you get beautiful subject isolation and soft background blur. It’s perfect for portraits, street photography, and low-light work. And unlike most f/1.2 lenses that can get pretty hefty, this one is refreshingly compact and lightweight.

It’s built for full-frame Canon RF-mount mirrorless cameras, but it won’t look oversized on your body (or your bank statement). Canon has managed to keep the size down without sacrificing image quality. One precision-molded aspherical element helps keep aberrations in check, ensuring sharpness even at wider apertures.

Quiet Autofocus, Thoughtful Design

The RF 45mm f/1.2 features an STM (stepping motor) autofocus system, which delivers smooth, quiet focusing performance. That’s a big plus if you’re shooting video or prefer to work discreetly. The lens also supports full-time manual focus override, so you can fine-tune your focus even when you use autofocus.

Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM Specs

Feature	Details
Focal Length	45mm
Aperture	f/1.2–f/16
Lens Mount	Canon RF
Format Compatibility	Full-Frame
Angle of View	51° 20′
Minimum Focus Distance	1.5 ft / 45 cm
Maximum Magnification	0.13x
Optical Design	9 elements in 7 groups
Diaphragm Blades	9
Autofocus	Yes, with STM motor
Image Stabilization	No
Filter Size	67 mm
Dimensions	78 x 75 mm
Weight	346 g

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is set to ship starting December 3 at the price of $469. Considering its fast aperture and solid optical specs, that’s a very approachable price for a lens in this class. Whether you’re a portrait photographer, street photographer, or just want a fast everyday prime, this one looks like a pretty compelling option.

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