Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM Review: Fast Glass at a Revolutionary Price
(Credit) Canon For Image Samples
The Bottom Line
Canon has released the first F1.2 lens under $500. At $469.99, the RF 45mm F1.2 STM costs 82% less than the RF 50mm F1.2L while delivering gorgeous bokeh and solid image quality. Yes, it has heavy vignetting and slower autofocus. But at this price? Those compromises are easily forgiven.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Best for: Portraits, video, content creation, APS-C users
Skip if: You need fast AF for sports/action or weather sealing
What Makes This Special
The Price: $470 for F1.2 is revolutionary. Compare:
Canon RF 50mm F1.2L: $2,699
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM: $1,998
Nikon Z 50mm F1.2 S: $2,097
The Specs:
45mm focal length (72mm on APS-C)
F1.2 maximum aperture
346g / 12.2oz (lightweight!)
9-blade circular aperture
67mm filter thread
Available December 2025
(Credit) Canon For Image Samples
The Trade-Offs
Canon was transparent about this lens: it "delivers character rather than being for MTF chasers." Translation: it's not optically perfect.
What You Give Up
Heavy vignetting - Requires digital correction
Slower autofocus - Gear STM, not Ring USM
Plastic construction - No weather sealing
No lens hood included - Costs extra $70
Distortion correction required - Built into design
What You Keep
Real F1.2 aperture - The whole point
Beautiful bokeh - 9-blade circular aperture
Compact & light - 346g vs 950g for F1.2L
Quiet STM motor - Great for video
Unique 45mm focal length - Wider than 50mm
(Credit) Canon For Image Samples
Image Quality
Sharpness: Soft but usable at F1.2 (perfect for portraits). Sharp by F2.8. Excellent at F4-F5.6.
Vignetting: Heavy at F1.2 (2-3 stops). Auto-corrected in JPEGs. RAW files need software correction. Minimal by F2.8.
Bokeh: Genuinely pleasant. Smooth backgrounds with circular highlights. Some chromatic fringing at F1.2. Not as refined as the F1.2L, but 85% as good at 18% of the price.
Colors: Classic Canon warmth. Flattering skin tones.
Autofocus Performance
Speed: Comparable to RF 85mm F2 STM. Fine for portraits, street, and video. Too slow for sports or birds in flight.
Accuracy: Excellent. Eye-detect works reliably.
Noise: Audible "chuntering" but quiet enough for video work.
Video AF: Smooth focus pulls. Great for content creation.
On APS-C Bodies
Mount this on an R7, R10, or R50 and you get a 72mm F1.2 - the perfect portrait focal length with massive bokeh.
At $470, this might be the best portrait lens value in photography. Period.
Key Comparisons
vs. RF 50mm F1.2L ($2,699)
The L lens is better in every way: faster AF, better optics, weather sealing, less vignetting. It also costs 5.7× more.
Verdict: L lens for pros. STM for everyone else.
vs. RF 50mm F1.8 STM ($199)
The F1.8 is sharper and more compact, but you lose that magical F1.2 bokeh and 1.3 stops of light.
Verdict: F1.8 for practical shooting. F1.2 for creative work.
vs. RF 85mm F2 STM ($599)
Better build, similar AF, longer reach - but only F2.
Verdict: 85mm for traditional portraits. 45mm F1.2 for versatility and bokeh.
Who Should Buy This?
Buy if You:
Want F1.2 bokeh without spending $2,000+
Shoot portraits, video, or content creation
Own an APS-C Canon (becomes 72mm F1.2!)
Need low-light capability
Value character over clinical perfection
Skip if You:
Shoot sports, wildlife, or fast action
Need weather sealing
Already own RF 50mm F1.2L
Want maximum sharpness wide open
Can't accept heavy vignetting (even corrected)
Sample Gallery Observations
Based on samples shot with EOS R5 II:
Vignetting visible but adds mood to images
Bokeh is creamy and pleasant
Skin tones are beautiful
Center sharpness adequate at F1.2
Colors are rich and warm
Heavy corner darkening in sky/even tones
The Verdict
Canon has democratized F1.2 aperture. For $470, you get genuine ultra-fast glass with gorgeous bokeh and solid image quality.
Yes, it requires vignetting correction. Yes, autofocus is slower than USM. Yes, it's plastic. But who cares? You're getting F1.2 for the price of dinner for two.
This is the "nifty fifty" of the F1.2 world - not perfect, but good enough for 90% of users at a fraction of premium pricing.
Final Rating: 4/5 Stars
For portrait photographers, content creators, and enthusiasts who've been priced out of F1.2 glass, this lens is a game-changer.
(Credit) Canon For Image Samples
Quick Specs
Specification Details Price $469.99 (hood $69.99 extra) Focal Length 45mm (72mm on APS-C) Max Aperture F1.2 Weight 346g (12.2oz) Filter Size 67mm Min Focus 45cm (17.7") Elements 9 elements in 7 groups Aperture Blades 9 (circular) Weather Sealing No Availability December 2025
FAQ
Q: Is the $70 hood really necessary?
A: Not essential, but recommended for flare control and protection.
Q: Does it work on R7/R10/R50?
A: Yes! Becomes 72mm F1.2 - perfect for portraits.
Q: How's the bokeh vs. the F1.2L?
A: 80-85% as good. Slight fringing at F1.2 but still beautiful.
Q: Can I use it for weddings?
A: Yes for portraits/details. Too slow for fast-paced action shots.
Q: Worth it over the RF 50mm F1.8?
A: If you specifically want F1.2 bokeh, absolutely.
Available: December 2025
Price: $469.99
Hood: $69.99 (sold separately)
