Whereas the brand new EOS R6 Mark III will most likely siphon most of our restricted consideration span, it’s been fairly some time since I obtained so excited a few piece of drugs. This new RF 45mm f/1.2 lens is each a nostalgic throwback to easier occasions in addition to a technological marvel, the fruits of assorted optical improvements. However most of all, it’s a sub-400 g, sub-$500, f/1.2 regular lens. Now who would have thought such a sentence would ever be written on an autofocusing, absolutely digital, completely trendy, real, “1st social gathering” lens? What a time to be alive, writing about photo-video gear!
Prime lenses are pretty considerable, and amongst this brethren, regular lenses are essentially the most quite a few. Each respectable mount is adorned with a number of 50mm lenses, catering to numerous wants, value factors, and technical ranges. This has been the case for a few years, although one thing has modified: The dimensions and the worth. Ever for the reason that immensely widespread SIGMA 50mm f/1.4 HSM Artwork was introduced, we’ve seen extra producers choosing the large lens path, strolling the trail of optical perfection, abandoning compactness, optical flaws, and “character”. The brand new customary of hungry, high-resolution sensors demanded nice optical efficiency, and these have been offered by most producers.
Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM on the brand new EOS R6 Mark III. Picture credit score: Canon
Some, nonetheless, have saved a compact, normally reasonably priced choice as a part of their line. Canon maintained the “nifty fifty”, with its venerable 50mm f/1.8. Nikon has the 40mm f/2.0, in addition to others. However the math was easy: Cheaper price, slower aperture. Till in the present day.
Enter the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM
Canon has appeared to interrupt the market with this new wide-ish regular lens (nearer to a “true regular” focal size, really). We’ve all come to count on no free meals, but right here stands a lens that provides a slightly excessive aperture for a fraction of the price of different f/1.2 lenses. Canon has additionally made it fairly compact, following early regular lens designs. This could make it extremely popular amongst each photographer or filmmaker who appreciates compactness, stealth, and the privilege of carrying a digital camera all day with out scheduling a date with the chiropractor. Seems to be like a free meal to me!
A easy, “bare-bones” design. Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM. Picture credit score: Canon
The place’s the catch?
At this level, I’m unsure there’s one, however that’s to be decided as soon as we’ve had the possibility to check the lens additional. As a fanboy of regular lenses, at the moment proudly owning a minimum of 5, I wouldn’t be shocked to see lowered sharpness and the occasional aberration on sooner apertures. This can be a frequent trait of conventional compact regular lenses. Whereas the brand new Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 is way from conventional, I believe its compactness and reasonably priced value will dictate some compromises right here.
The quickest “non-L” lens
Whereas the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is an f/1.2 lens, it’s not a part of Canon’s luxurious L line. This implies barely decrease construct requirements, no climate resistance, plastic construct, STM motor as an alternative of the commonly sooner USM and its variants, and many others. It additionally means the lens hood is an non-obligatory accent, as has been in Canon land for many years. However these design and construct compromises will not be essentially unhealthy. All of them contribute to the lens’s fundamental options: Simplicity, affordability, and outright enjoyable.
Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM with the non-obligatory hood. Picture credit score: Canon
The perfect lens is the one you may have with you
And the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is among the best lenses to have. It’s a singular mixture of affordability ($470), compactness (346g), and quick aperture, prepared for each lighting situation and depth-of-field requirement. It might be Canon’s finest lens for this combine, which is, for my part, related for many anybody working with a digital camera. This lens is exclusive as a result of it breaks the mould, permitting everybody to personal an excessive f/1.2 lens with all the trendy perks related to the Canon RF mount. As I could come throughout – I’m fairly enthusiastic about this lens, and I’m not even a Canon consumer (on the time of writing a minimum of).
Worth and Availability
The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is obtainable for preorder, anticipated to ship subsequent month (December 2025), and it’ll set you again $469.99.
Will the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM be your first foray into the realms of f/1.2? How will you utilize such a lens? Tell us within the feedback.
