Canon RF RF45mm F1.2 STM 45mm
The f/1.2 maximum aperture delivers exceptionally shallow depth of field and strong low-light performance in a compact 346g body. Its quiet STM autofocus and customizable control ring add handling flexibility uncommon at this brightness. This lens is best for portrait and lifestyle photographers who prioritize dramatic bokeh and a lightweight walk-around prime.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong af (87th percentile) 87th
- Strong build (66th percentile) 66th
Cons
- Below average macro (22th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews — so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 35 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 45 |
| Focal Length Max | 45 |
| Elements | 9 |
| Groups | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 |
| Coating | SSC (Super Spectra Coating) |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | 16 |
| Min Aperture | 1.2 |
| Constant | No |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Canon RF |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Weather Sealed | No |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.8 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | STM |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 450 |
| Max Magnification | 0.13x |
vs Competition
| Spec | Canon RF RF45mm F1.2 STM 45mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR | Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS | Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | Viltrox 13mm F1.4 f/1.4 E STM Auto Focus Ultra Wide Angle | Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 45mm | 28-400mm | 16-300mm | 18-300mm | 13mm | 28-200mm |
| Max Aperture | 16 | f/4 | f/3.5 | f/3.5 | f/1.4 | f/4 |
| Mount | Canon RF | Nikon Z | Sony E | Fuji X | Sony E | L-Mount |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | false | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 345 | 726 | 615 | 92 | 415 | 413 |
| AF Type | STM | STM | HLA | VXD linear motor | STM | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | prime | zoom | zoom | zoom | Wide-Angle | macro |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon RF RF45mm F1.2 STM 45mm | 86.8 | 44.8 | 66.3 | 22.1 | 49.1 | 49.5 | 34.2 | 62.1 | 36.1 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Compare | 86.8 | 77.8 | 51.6 | 81.3 | 97 | 71.2 | 98.9 | 84.6 | 98.3 |
| Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Compare | 54.5 | 84.3 | 59 | 85.9 | 98.9 | 76.9 | 99.6 | 68.8 | 99.1 |
| Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Compare | 98.3 | 74.8 | 96.6 | 87.8 | 74.6 | 76.9 | 99.2 | 51.8 | 81.3 |
| Viltrox 13mm F1.4 f/1.4 E STM Auto Focus Ultra Wide Angle Compare | 86.8 | 96.7 | 42.2 | 89.5 | 82.6 | 96.4 | 34.2 | 75.9 | 81.3 |
| Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 Compare | 54.5 | 77.8 | 74.4 | 70.8 | 91.2 | 71.2 | 95.6 | 65.3 | 99.5 |
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.