Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM
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AI Verdict
This 1.24-pound, 45mm prime lens delivers f/1.2 aperture and shallow depth of field for Canon RF users on a sub-$500 budget.
This 45mm f/1.2 lens is a strong contender if you prioritize a wide aperture for creative bokeh and low-light performance on a budget. Its 1.24-pound weight makes it portable, but compromises in autofocus speed and corner sharpness mean it's not a universal solution. It's a trade-off for the f/1.2 experience without the L-series price tag.
If you need faster, quieter autofocus and superior edge-to-edge sharpness, look for lenses with USM or Nano-USM motors and L-series optical designs, though expect a significantly higher price.
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Pros
- Achieves an f/1.2 aperture for significantly less than Canon's L-series f/1.2 lenses, priced at $469.99.
- Weighs only 1.24 pounds (346g), making it compact and light for an f/1.2 lens.
- Produces a strongly defocused background and generally smooth bokeh, isolating subjects effectively.
- Allows for faster shutter speeds in darker situations due to its f/1.2 aperture.
- Features a configurable control ring for aperture, EV compensation, or ISO adjustments.
- Center sharpness is usable at f/1.2, making it suitable for atmospheric portraits.
Cons
- Autofocus is slow and noisy, taking approximately 0.7 seconds to shift focus from far to close distances and audible during video recording.
- Exhibits significant barrel distortion in RAW images and heavy vignetting (up to 5+ stops uncorrected) at f/1.2.
- Corner sharpness is noticeably weak at f/1.2, with some users reporting 'terrible' performance until f/2.8.
- Lacks weather sealing, limiting its use in adverse conditions.
- Does not include a lens hood, requiring an additional purchase.
Dimension Scores
Center sharpness is usable at f/1.2, but significant barrel distortion, heavy vignetting, and poor corner sharpness at wide apertures prevent a higher score.
The STM motor is slow and noisy, taking approximately 0.7 seconds for full focus shifts and not suitable for fast-moving subjects.
The f/1.2 aperture is beneficial for low-light video and shallow depth of field, but the noisy STM autofocus motor can be a significant drawback for audio recording.
Weighing 1.24 pounds (346g) and being compact for an f/1.2 lens, it's considered very portable compared to other fast primes.
Best For
- Portrait photography with strong subject isolation and creamy backgrounds.
- Low-light photography where faster shutter speeds are needed without high ISOs.
- Content creation requiring expressive, soft visuals and shallow depth of field.
- Hobbyists seeking an affordable entry into f/1.2 prime lenses for Canon RF.
Not Recommended For
- Fast-action or wildlife photography due to slow autofocus performance.
- Landscape photography where edge-to-edge sharpness at wide apertures is critical.
- Professional use cases demanding ultimate optical perfection and robust build quality.
Watch Out For
- The STM autofocus motor is audibly noisy, which can be picked up by in-camera microphones during video recording.
- Uncorrected RAW images show significant barrel distortion and heavy vignetting, requiring software correction.
- Corner sharpness at f/1.2 is poor, with some reviewers stating it has 'almost no image quality' in the far corners.
- No weather sealing means you can't use it confidently in rain or dusty environments.
- The lens does not come with a lens hood, which is an extra cost to manage flare.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0FZWB8D2S |
| Brand | Canon |
| Lens Type | Mirror Lens |
| Item Weight | 1.24 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Canon |
| Item model number | 7198C002 |
| Product Dimensions | 3 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon RF |
| Camera Lens Description | Standard 45mm prime lens with an f/1.2 aperture. |
| Focal Length Description | 45 Millimeters |
What Buyers Say
Users are generally excited about getting an f/1.2 lens at this price point, often overlooking its technical flaws for the creative possibilities. The lens is praised for its light weight and ability to create strong background blur, making it a fun option for hobbyists. However, the slow and noisy autofocus is a consistent complaint, along with noticeable optical imperfections like heavy vignetting and soft corners when shooting wide open. Many acknowledge it's not an L-series performer but offers significant value for its cost.
“Okay, so it's not perfect, the AF is kinda slow and loud, and yeah, the corners are mushy wide open, but for under 500 bucks, I'm getting f/1.2 bokeh! My portraits look so dreamy, I don't even care about the technical stuff.”
Common Praise
- The f/1.2 aperture creates a very shallow depth of field and strong background blur.
- Its 1.24-pound weight makes it easy to carry for extended periods.
- The price of $469.99 is considered a 'steal' for an f/1.2 lens.
- Center sharpness at f/1.2 is adequate for atmospheric portraits.
- The control ring provides convenient access to exposure settings.
Common Complaints
- Autofocus is slow and makes an audible 'chuntering' noise.
- Significant barrel distortion and heavy vignetting are present in uncorrected images.
- Corner sharpness is very poor at f/1.2, improving only when stopped down.
- Lack of weather sealing limits its durability in challenging environments.
- Bokeh highlights can be lemon-shaped or have outlining in certain situations.
Ownership Tips
- You'll quickly learn to rely on in-camera or post-processing corrections for distortion and vignetting.
- The noisy STM motor will be noticeable if you're recording video with in-camera audio.
- You'll find yourself stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 for landscapes or group shots to get acceptable edge sharpness.
- The lack of weather sealing means you'll be extra careful about taking it out in light rain or dusty conditions.
- You'll probably end up buying a separate lens hood to combat flare, especially when shooting towards bright light sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM suitable for video?
While the f/1.2 aperture is great for low light and shallow depth of field in video, the STM motor is noisy and can be picked up by the camera's microphone. Smooth focus pulls are possible, but the noise is a consideration.
Does this lens have image stabilization?
No, the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM does not feature in-lens image stabilization. For handheld long-exposure shooting, this can be a limitation.
How does the sharpness compare to more expensive f/1.2 lenses?
Center sharpness is usable at f/1.2, especially for portraits, but it cannot match the edge-to-edge sharpness of premium L-series f/1.2 lenses, particularly in the corners. Optimal image quality is achieved when stopped down to f/4.
Is a lens hood included with the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM?
No, a lens hood is not included with the purchase of this lens. You will need to buy one separately to help with flare control.
What kind of bokeh does this lens produce?
The lens produces a strongly defocused background with generally smooth bokeh. However, some users have noted 'lemon-shaped' highlights and a tendency for 'nervous' bokeh in complex backgrounds.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a lens like this, you need to understand that a super-wide aperture like f/1.2 is all about light gathering and creating that blurry background effect, called bokeh. It lets you shoot in dim conditions without cranking up your camera's ISO too high. But with budget-friendly f/1.2 lenses, there are always trade-offs, usually in sharpness across the frame, autofocus speed, and build quality. You're paying for that specific f/1.2 look, not necessarily overall optical perfection.
f/1.2 Aperture
This number tells you how wide the lens can open to let in light. A lower f-number like f/1.2 means it can open very wide, letting in a lot of light for shooting in dark places and creating a very shallow depth of field, which blurs out backgrounds beautifully, making your subject pop.
STM Motor
STM stands for 'Stepping Motor,' which is a type of autofocus motor. It's known for being smooth and quiet for video, but in this lens, it's reported to be slower and noisier than higher-end motors like USM or Nano-USM, which affects how quickly and silently it can focus on subjects.
Prime Lens (45mm)
A prime lens has a fixed focal length, meaning you can't zoom in or out; you 'zoom with your feet.' 45mm is a standard focal length, close to what the human eye sees, making it versatile for portraits, street photography, and general use. Fixed focal lengths often allow for simpler optical designs and wider apertures compared to zoom lenses.
Weight: 1.24 pounds (346g)
The weight of the lens impacts how comfortable it is to carry and shoot with for long periods. At 1.24 pounds, this lens is relatively light for an f/1.2 full-frame prime, making it a more portable option than many heavier, more expensive alternatives.
Alternatives
If this lens doesn't fit, look for lenses with USM or Nano-USM autofocus motors for faster and quieter performance, or lenses with 'L' designation for superior optical correction and weather sealing, understanding these will come at a much higher price point.
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