Canon has introduced the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM, a standard-view prime built for its RF mount cameras. The lens aims to deliver fast-aperture performance in a smaller package than typical f/1.2 options, targeting everyday stills and video work on both full frame and APS-C RF bodies.
Canon positions the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM as a practical everyday prime: a fast maximum aperture for shallow depth of field and low light, an STM (stepping) motor for autofocus, and a relatively light build that keeps it portable.
Key Specs (RF 45mm f/1.2 STM)
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Mount: Canon RF (metal), compatible with EOS R-series (including APS-C models)
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Focal length: 45mm
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Maximum aperture: f/1.2
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Minimum aperture: f/16
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Optical design: 9 elements in 7 groups
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Special elements: 1 aspherical element
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Coating: Super Spectra Coating (SSC)
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Aperture blades: 9
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Image stabilization: None
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Focus drive: Gear-type STM, full-time manual focusing available
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Minimum focus distance: 0.45 m (1.5 ft / 17.7 in.)
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Maximum magnification: 0.13x
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Filter size: 67 mm
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Control ring: Yes, with click-stops
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Manual focus ring: Yes
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Switches: AF/MF
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Distance scale: Electronic (in-camera), no on-barrel window
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Dust/weather sealing: None
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Dimensions: 78 mm × 75 mm (3.1 in. × 3.0 in.)
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Weight: 346 g (12.2 oz / 0.76 lb)
Design Notes and Feature Overview
Canon’s design emphasizes a smaller, lighter f/1.2 option. The lens uses a fixed-length barrel and a rear-focusing approach, which helps maintain balance and can reduce focus breathing across focus distances. An aspherical element and SSC coatings are specified to control aberrations and stray light. There is no optical stabilization and no weather-sealing.
The gear-type STM drive is intended to balance speed and smoothness for both stills and video, and full-time manual override is available. The RF control ring with click-stops remains for quick exposure or function adjustments.
Why It Matters for Photo and Video Creators
For creators, the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM offers bright-aperture flexibility in a compact package: f/1.2 enables faster shutter speeds in low light and tight depth-of-field control for portraits, events, and product work, while the standard perspective on full frame and short-tele framing on APS-C keeps compositions natural. The gear-type STM drive aims for quiet, smooth focus pulls that suit video, and the fixed-length design helps rigs stay balanced. At 346 g with common 67mm filters, it’s easy to carry and build around; just note the trade-offs of no optical stabilization or weather-sealing.
Sample Images
Pricing and Availability
The lens can be preordered now with an estimated retail price of $469.99, hood not included.
Conclusion
The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM slots into the RF lineup as a fast, compact standard prime at a reasonable price. It targets creators who want f/1.2 depth-of-field control without the size and weight of larger glass, accepting trade-offs like no optical stabilization or weather-sealing. If you need a small, bright everyday lens for full frame or an APS-C short-tele option in the RF system, this is the one Canon is pointing to.
