Canon RF 45mm f1.2 STM Lens

The Canon RF 45mm f1.2 STM is the first lens to pair the speed of Canon’s L-series f1.2 optics with the smaller, lighter design of standard RF lenses. With its bright aperture, 9-element design and STM focusing, this 45mm prime offers greater control in low light, maintaining clarity on subjects and natural defocused areas. Weighing 346g, it’s well balanced on full-frame EOS R bodies, bringing Canon’s sought-after f1.2 spec to more accessible everyday setups.

Canon RF 45mm f1.2 STM Lens Key Features:

• Introduces an f1.2 aperture to Canon’s standard RF lens range
• Compact prime combining L-series speed with everyday portability
• Optical construction features 9 elements arranged into 7 groups
• Includes 1 PMo Aspherical to reduce distortion and maintain sharpness
• 9-blade aperture diaphragm produces naturally circular bokeh
• Get closer to subjects with the 0.45m minimum focus distance
• Super Spectra coating minimises flare and ghosting
• STM technology for fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus
• Up to 8-stop stabilisation (7.5 at edges) with coordinated IBIS and OIS
• Customisable control ring for fast adjustments to exposure and settings
• 67mm thread for attaching optional filter and accessories
• Compact and lightweight 346g design for comfortable everyday use
• Compatible with the Canon Lens Hood ES-73B
• Designed for Canon RF full-frame mirrorless cameras

What’s new?

The Canon RF 45 mm f1.2 STM is Canon’s first f1.2 autofocus lens under 400g and the first standard RF lens outside the L-series to feature an f1.2 aperture. This combination brings Canon’s fastest aperture speed into a smaller, more affordable form, bridging the gap between professional f1.2 optics and everyday prime lenses. Its natural 45 mm perspective offers a balanced view between classic 35mm and 50mm fields, with expressive shallow depth of field and strong low-light performance in a compact frame.

Optical Design

A 9-element, 7-group layout includes one PMo Aspherical element to minimise distortion and maintain resolution across the frame. The Super Spectra coating suppresses ghosting and flare under backlight, preserving contrast and colour accuracy in outdoor or night scenes. A 9-blade circular aperture maintains smooth tonal transitions in defocused areas, producing rounded highlights and natural background blur that suits portraits, interiors, and product shots.

Autofocus and stabilisation

Canon’s STM (Stepping Motor) delivers precise, near-silent autofocus for both stills and video, supporting confident subject tracking at shallow depths of field. When paired with in-body stabilisation on EOS R cameras, the lens achieves up to 8 stops of coordinated correction (7.5 stops at edges), ensuring steady handheld results even in low light. Manual focus remains direct and responsive, allowing fine control during composition or video work.

Design and handling

The 45mm f1.2 STM’s compact design complements Canon’s full-frame mirrorless bodies. Weighing only 346g, it remains comfortable for extended handheld use without sacrificing balance or build quality. A customisable control ring allows direct adjustment of exposure, aperture or ISO, while the 67mm front thread accepts widely available filters. The lens’s consistent length and light feel also make it a practical fit for video rigs or gimbals.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Canon RF 45mm f1.2 STM Lens
• 1 x Lens Cap E-67II
• 1 x Rear Cap Lens Dust Cap RF

Canon RF 45mm f1.2 STM Lens Product Video:

FAQs:

Can I use filters with the Canon RF 45mm f1.2 STM lens?

Yes. The lens accepts standard 67mm screw-in filters, including neutral density and circular polarising filters. This shared thread size across Canon RF lenses makes it easier for users to maintain a consistent setup and reuse filters throughout their system.

What other Canon lenses are in this range?

The RF 45mm f1.2 STM sits between the RF 35mm f1.8 MACRO IS STM and the RF 50mm f1.8 STM, offering a faster aperture than both and a slightly wider, more natural field of view than a 50mm lens. It provides an entry into Canon’s fast-aperture lineup, offering a more accessible alternative to the professional RF 50mm f1.4 L VCM.

Does the Canon RF 45mm f1.2 STM lens support focus breathing correction?

Yes. When used on compatible EOS R cameras, the lens works with Canon’s in-camera focus breathing correction system, maintaining stable framing during focus pulls for smoother video transitions.

Does the Canon RF 45mm f1.2 STM lens have any compatible accessories?

The lens is compatible with the Canon Lens Hood ES-73B, which helps reduce flare and protect the front element. It also accepts Canon 67mm filters such as the Protect Filter and Polarising Filter PL-C B, and fits Canon’s LP1016 soft pouch for storage.

Can the Canon RF 45mm f1.2 STM lens be used on APS-C EOS R cameras?

Yes. When mounted on an APS-C EOS R body, it provides an effective focal length of approximately 72mm, giving a short-telephoto view that suits portraits and close subjects.

Canon RF 45mm f1.2 STM Lens - Sample Images