Key Highlights
- The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is a new standard-view prime lens 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 full frame and APS-C RF bodies.
- Key specifications include a maximum aperture of f/1.2 and the inclusion of an STM (stepping) motor for autofocus.
- The lens is priced at $469.99 and can be preordered now, with an estimated retail price including the hood.
New Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM Lens: A Closer Look at Its Features and Functionality
Canon has recently introduced a new addition to its RF lens lineup, the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM. This prime lens is designed with everyday use in mind, offering a bright maximum aperture of f/1.2 while maintaining a compact design that makes it portable and easy to carry around.
Design and Features
The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM uses a fixed-length barrel and a rear-focusing approach, which helps maintain balance and can reduce focus breathing across different focus distances. This lens is compatible with both full frame and APS-C RF bodies, making it versatile for various shooting scenarios.
Technical Specifications
- Focal length: 45mm
- Maximum aperture: f/1.2
- Minimum aperture: f/16
- Optical design: 9 elements in 7 groups with one aspherical element for improved performance.
- Coating: Super Spectra Coating (SSC) to control aberrations and stray light.
- Aperture blades: 9
- Focus drive: Gear-type STM for quiet, smooth focus pulls suitable for both stills and video.
- Minimum focus distance: 0.45 m (1.5 ft / 17.7 in.)
- Maximum magnification: 0.13x
- Filter size: 67 mm
- Control ring: Yes, with click-stops for quick exposure or function adjustments.
- Full-time manual focusing available.
- Dimensions: 78 mm Ă— 75 mm (3.1 in. Ă— 3.0 in.)
- Weight: 346 g (12.2 oz / 0.76 lb)
Target Audience and Usage Scenarios
The RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is positioned as a practical everyday prime lens for creators who require fast maximum aperture for shallow depth of field control in low light conditions, such as portraits, events, and product work. The standard perspective on full frame and short-tele framing on APS-C cameras ensures natural compositions.
The gear-type STM drive aims to balance speed and smoothness for both stills and video recording, making it a versatile tool for content creators. While the lens is relatively lightweight and easy to carry, users should be aware of its trade-offs, such as no optical stabilization or weather-sealing.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM can currently be preordered with an estimated retail price of $469.99, not including the lens hood. This pricing makes it a more affordable option compared to other f/1.2 lenses in the market, catering to photographers and videographers who need a bright aperture without the added bulk.
The introduction of this lens into Canon’s RF lineup fills a gap for users looking for fast-aperture performance in a compact package, especially on APS-C cameras where such lenses are less common. For those interested in exploring high-quality photography and video with a standard view perspective, the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is definitely worth considering.
