Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM

This Canon prime fits full-frame RF-mount bodies. Introduced in 2025, it pairs a 45mm focal length with a large f/1.2 maximum aperture. The standard view suits everyday scenes in rooms and streets, including portraits with some surroundings.

It suits portraits, street photography and indoor gatherings such as family parties. The wide opening gives room for useful shutter speeds as light fades and can separate nearby people from their surroundings. The trade-off is one fixed view and no built-in stabilization, so position and exposure choices matter.

The lens weighs 12.2 oz (346 g) and measures 3.07 in (78 mm) across and 2.95 in (75 mm) long. That light, compact build keeps the camera comfortable through a full day of walking. The front accepts 67mm screw-in filters directly, and a polariser can cut glare on glass and water in street scenes.

On full frame, 45mm gives a standard view suited to individual portraits and everyday scenes with useful surroundings. Perspective depends on where you stand. Leave some space around a face to avoid exaggerating nearby features, and move back when the composition needs more of the room.

At f/1.2, the lens admits more light than a smaller opening. In an evening street or dim shop, you can use that difference for a faster shutter speed or lower ISO. Choose which benefit matters most for the subject in front of you.

At close portrait distances, f/1.2 can leave only a thin area sharp. Focus on the nearer eye when that is the detail you want clear, and watch for small movements. A background well behind the person becomes easier to soften. Stop down when more of the face or setting must remain sharp.

Closest focus is 1.5 ft (45 cm), measured from the sensor, with 0.13x maximum magnification. That suits modest details on a table. Portraits normally benefit from more distance than the minimum. The optics specification score is 88 out of 100.

There is no built-in stabilization. A camera with sensor stabilization can help reduce camera shake for still subjects. Otherwise, a steady hold or firm support can help. In dim light, f/1.2 gives more room for a faster shutter speed than a smaller opening.

Weather sealing is absent too, so rain, spray, and blowing dust call for care or a cover. The front element also lacks a fluorine coating. Fluorine repels water and oil on lenses that have it, so expect cleaning smudges to take a little more effort here.

For indoor sessions, you can choose your position and support in advance. That can make the fixed framing easier to work with.

Nine elements in seven groups form a straightforward optical formula. One element is aspherical. Specially shaped surfaces like this help reduce distortion and spherical aberration. Distortion can curve straight edges, so this correction helps when door frames, rooflines, and horizons appear in street and travel shots.