Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM Lens Shortages Announced

Canon has confirmed that the new RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is facing delivery delays after receiving more preorders than it can fulfill at launch.

In a November 11, 2025 notice, Canon apologized for the disruptions and said the company is taking steps to stabilize supply so products can be delivered as soon as possible. The announcement specifically named the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM (and its ES-73B hood) among several items seeing slower-than-expected shipments.

Why the shortage matters

Affordable f/1.2 option: The RF 45mm f/1.2 STM represents Canon’s first broadly affordable f/1.2 prime for full-frame EOS R cameras. Priced far below Canon’s L-series f/1.2 options, it promises the shallow depth of field and low-light performance photographers want without the premium professional price. That clear market demand likely pushed preorder volumes above Canon’s initial production plans.
Wide appeal: The focal length (near-standard 45mm) and the fast aperture give the lens strong cross-genre appeal — portraits, street, low-light work, and creative blur — increasing the potential buyer pool beyond specialists.
Kit and accessory impact: Canon’s notice also flagged delays for the ES-73B lens hood that accompanies the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM, meaning some purchasers may receive bodies and other gear before they can fully outfit the lens from the box.

What Canon said Canon’s translated statement (released November 11, 2025) was brief and conventional: high volumes of orders have created temporary delivery delays, the company apologized for the inconvenience, and it will continue measures to stabilize supply. No specific timeline for when backorders will clear was given, though retailers in some regions still list December availability at the time of the announcement.

The lens features a matte black finish, a textured focus ring, and a compact form factor that pairs beautifully with Canon’s full-frame mirrorless bodies like the EOS R6 Mark III.

Likely causes (practical perspective)

Higher-than-expected demand: As an accessible f/1.2 prime for mirrorless, the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM fills a niche many shooters have been asking for — performance approaching professional-grade bokeh at consumer price points — which can drive unusually strong preorder interest.
Production ramp challenges: New optical designs, even those with simplified element counts, require time to ramp reliably. Manufacturing volume, quality checks, and global logistics can all limit how quickly units ship.
Supply chain ripple effects: Ancillary items (hoods, packaging, shipping components) and regional distribution allocations can extend visible shortages even if assembly lines are running.

What buyers should do

Keep preorders: If you’ve already preordered, expect communication from Canon or your retailer about updated ship dates; cancellations can complicate getting the item later.

Pre-order RF 45mm F1.2 STM lens at Amazon, B&H Photo Video, Adorama.

Watch multiple retailers: Availability can vary by region and retailer; if your order is delayed, checking authorized dealers occasionally may yield earlier stock.
Consider alternatives temporarily: If you need a fast standard prime immediately, existing RF 50mm f/1.8 or RF 50mm f/1.4 options remain viable stopgaps depending on budget and optical needs.

Market implications

The quick sell-through indicates strong consumer appetite for accessible fast primes in the RF mount, a trend Canon can leverage across price tiers. For competitors and third-party manufacturers, the shortage signals opportunity for alternative fast primes or adapted optics that fill the same practical niche. For Canon, fulfilling demand quickly will be vital to capitalizing on initial excitement and avoiding frustrated customers turning to other brands.

Bottom line

The RF 45mm f/1.2 STM’s shortage underscores how much demand exists for an affordable, fast standard prime in Canon’s RF lineup. Canon has acknowledged the issue and pledged to stabilize supply, but buyers should plan for potential delays and monitor retailers for stock updates.

Skylum has officially launched its biggest sale of the year, offering up to 75% off on Luminar Neo and the full Luminar Ecosystem.

👉 Claim Your Luminar Neo Black Friday Deal Now →