Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM
Canon · 45 mm · f/1.2
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
59
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Ultra-affordable f/1.2 aperture at $470 - exceptional value for fast-aperture glass
+Compact and lightweight at 346g, lightest f/1.2 lens in Canon RF lineup
+Smooth, quiet STM autofocus with full-time manual focus override
+Strong bokeh rendering with 9-blade circular aperture for subject separation
+Canon's first PMo aspherical element in f/1.2 design reduces aberrations
+Natural 45mm focal length ideal for portraits, lifestyle, and general-purpose shooting
Worth Knowing
−Lacks weather sealing and optical stabilization despite moderate price point
−Significant distortion and vignetting at f/1.2 requiring digital correction in-camera
−Excessive chromatic aberration (color fringing) at maximum aperture
−No lens hood included; optional ES-73B hood costs additional $59 separately
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM is a fast standard prime lens for Canon RF-mount 35mm full-frame mirrorless cameras, compact and lightweight at 346g while offering a very bright maximum aperture of f/1.2 for low-light performance and bokeh effects. Not focused on pure optical performance, this lens offers budget-conscious Canon photographers the ability to capture strong background blur at a normal focal length with distinctive image character, priced well under $500 and destined to be popular for portraits, lifestyle, street, and creative work. While it offers bright aperture and lightweight design, it suffers from significant optical shortcomings including distortion, chromatic aberration, and lack of weather sealing, with STM autofocus that is reliable but less smooth than Canon's higher-end motors. | |
| Brand | Canon |
| Release Year | 2025 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon RF |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Canon EOS R |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical64/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 346 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 78 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 75 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 67 mm |
Optics88/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 45 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 1.2 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 51.333° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 20 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 9020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 45 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.13x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Petal |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification | No |
| Image Stabilization | No |
Construction15/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 9 |
| Groups | 7 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 1 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. | No |