Canon has officially announced the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM, a fast prime lens that’s set to shake up the RF lineup—not with its specs alone, but with its surprisingly low price. Designed for photographers and creators who crave shallow depth of field, low-light performance, and creamy bokeh, this lens delivers premium optical capabilities without the premium price tag.
🔍 A Fast Prime That Won’t Break the Bank
The standout feature of the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is its bright f/1.2 aperture, which allows for exceptional light-gathering ability and beautifully blurred backgrounds. Traditionally, lenses with this kind of speed come with a hefty price—Canon’s own RF 50mm f/1.2L USM retails at $2699. In contrast, the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM comes in at just $470, making it one of the most affordable f/1.2 lenses ever released for the RF mount.
Pre-order RF 45mm F1.2 STM lens at Amazon, B&H Photo Video, Adorama.
This price point positions it well below the RF 85mm f/2.0 STM, and it’s a compelling alternative for portrait shooters, street photographers, and anyone looking to experiment with fast glass on a budget.
📸 Optical Performance & Build
While Canon hasn’t officially labeled this lens as part of its L-series, early impressions suggest it punches above its weight:
- 45mm focal length offers a natural perspective, slightly wider than traditional 50mm primes
- STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus system ensures smooth, quiet focusing—ideal for video
- Large front element and precision optics deliver sharpness and contrast even wide open
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.
🎥 Great for Video Creators Too
Thanks to its STM motor and wide aperture, the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is also a strong choice for video shooters. The lens offers:
- Quiet, responsive autofocus for vlogging and cinematic work
- Excellent low-light performance
- Smooth focus transitions and shallow depth of field for storytelling
Its compact size and affordability make it a perfect match for hybrid creators using cameras like the R6 Mark III or R8.
💰 Pricing & Accessories
The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM will be available starting December 2025 at a launch price of $470. For those who want to complete the setup, Canon offers a lens hood for an additional $70.
Pre-order RF 45mm F1.2 STM lens at Amazon, B&H Photo Video, Adorama.
This pricing strategy makes the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM one of the most accessible fast primes in Canon’s RF ecosystem—ideal for enthusiasts, students, and professionals looking to expand their creative toolkit.
Here’s a comparison chart highlighting how the new Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM stacks up against other popular RF prime lenses in terms of key specs and pricing:
| Lens Model | Focal Length | Max Aperture | Autofocus Type | Weight (approx.) | Price (USD) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RF 45mm f/1.2 STM | 45mm | f/1.2 | STM | ~450g | $470 | Affordable fast prime, compact, STM motor |
| RF 50mm f/1.2L USM | 50mm | f/1.2 | USM | ~950g | $2699 | L-series optics, weather-sealed, pro-grade |
| RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM | 35mm | f/1.8 | STM | ~305g | $499 | Macro 1:2, image stabilization |
| RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM | 85mm | f/2.0 | STM | ~500g | $599 | Macro 1:2, image stabilization |
| RF 28mm f/2.8 STM | 28mm | f/2.8 | STM | ~120g | $299 | Ultra-compact pancake design |
| RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM | 24mm | f/1.8 | STM | ~270g | $599 | Macro 1:2, image stabilization |
Sources: Canon USA, B&H Photo, Adorama (as of November 2025)
🏁 Final Thoughts
The RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is Canon’s answer to the growing demand for affordable, high-performance prime lenses. With its fast aperture, versatile focal length, and budget-friendly price, it’s poised to become a go-to lens for photographers and videographers alike.
Whether you’re shooting portraits, street scenes, or cinematic video, the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM offers a compelling blend of performance and value—without the sticker shock.
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