While the new EOS R6 Mark III will probably siphon most of our limited attention span, it’s been quite a while since I got so excited about a piece of gear. This new RF 45mm f/1.2 lens is both a nostalgic throwback to simpler times as well as a technological marvel, the culmination of various optical innovations. But most of all, it’s a sub-400 g, sub-$500, f/1.2 normal lens. Now who would have thought such a sentence would ever be written on an autofocusing, fully electronic, totally modern, genuine, “1st party” lens? What a time to be alive, writing about photo-video gear!
Prime lenses are fairly abundant, and among this brethren, normal lenses are the most numerous. Every respectable mount is adorned with several 50mm lenses, catering to various needs, price points, and technical levels. This has been the case for many years, though something has changed: The size and the price. Ever since the immensely popular SIGMA 50mm f/1.4 HSM Art was announced, we’ve seen more manufacturers opting for the massive lens path, walking the path of optical perfection, abandoning compactness, optical flaws, and “character”. The new standard of hungry, high-resolution sensors demanded great optical performance, and these were provided by most manufacturers.
Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM on the new EOS R6 Mark III. Image credit: Canon
Some, however, have kept a compact, usually affordable option as part of their line. Canon maintained the “nifty fifty”, with its venerable 50mm f/1.8. Nikon has the 40mm f/2.0, as well as others. But the math was simple: Lower price, slower aperture. Until today.
Enter the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM
Canon has seemed to break the market with this new wide-ish normal lens (closer to a “true normal” focal length, actually). We’ve all come to expect no free meals, yet here stands a lens that offers a rather extreme aperture for a fraction of the cost of other f/1.2 lenses. Canon has also made it quite compact, following early normal lens designs. This can make it very popular among every photographer or filmmaker who appreciates compactness, stealth, and the privilege of carrying a camera all day without scheduling a date with the chiropractor. Looks like a free meal to me!
A simple, “bare-bones” design. Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM. Image credit: Canon
Where’s the catch?
At this point, I’m not sure there is one, but that is to be determined once we’ve had the chance to test the lens further. As a fanboy of normal lenses, currently owning at least five, I wouldn’t be surprised to see reduced sharpness and the occasional aberration on faster apertures. This is a common trait of traditional compact normal lenses. While the new Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 is far from traditional, I suspect its compactness and affordable price will dictate some compromises here.
The fastest “non-L” lens
While the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is an f/1.2 lens, it’s not part of Canon’s luxurious L line. This means slightly lower build standards, no weather resistance, plastic build, STM motor instead of the generally faster USM and its variants, etc. It also means the lens hood is an optional accessory, as has been in Canon land for decades. But these design and build compromises are not necessarily bad. They all contribute to the lens’s main features: Simplicity, affordability, and outright fun.
Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM with the optional hood. Image credit: Canon
The best lens is the one you have with you
And the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is one of the easiest lenses to have. It’s a unique mix of affordability ($470), compactness (346g), and fast aperture, ready for every lighting condition and depth-of-field requirement. It may well be Canon’s best lens for this mix, which is, in my opinion, relevant for most anyone working with a camera. This lens is unique because it breaks the mold, allowing everyone to own an extreme f/1.2 lens with all the modern perks associated with the Canon RF mount. As I may come across – I’m pretty excited about this lens, and I’m not even a Canon user (at the time of writing at least).
Price and Availability
The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is available for preorder, expected to ship next month (December 2025), and it will set you back $469.99.
Will the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM be your first foray into the realms of f/1.2? How will you use such a lens? Let us know in the comments.
