Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM Lens – A New, True Standard

Whereas the brand new EOS R6 Mark III will in all probability siphon most of our restricted consideration span, it’s been fairly some time since I acquired 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 end result of varied 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 fashionable, real, “1st celebration” lens? What a time to be alive, writing about photo-video gear! Prime lenses are pretty considerable, and amongst this brethren, regular lenses are probably 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 scale and the worth. Ever for the reason that immensely fashionable 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 normal of hungry, high-resolution sensors demanded nice optical efficiency, and these have been supplied by most producers.Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM on the brand new EOS R6 Mark III. Picture credit score: CanonSome, nonetheless, have saved a compact, often 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: Lower cost, slower aperture. Till right this moment.Enter the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STMCanon 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 gives a quite 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 will 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 like a free meal to me!A easy, “bare-bones” design. Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM. Picture credit score: CanonWhere’s the catch?At this level, I’m undecided there may be 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 present proudly owning not less than 5, I wouldn’t be shocked to see diminished sharpness and the occasional aberration on quicker apertures. It is a widespread 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” lensWhile 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 a substitute of the widely quicker USM and its variants, and so forth. It additionally means the lens hood is an optionally available accent, as has been in Canon land for many years. However these design and construct compromises will not be essentially dangerous. All of them contribute to the lens’s essential options: Simplicity, affordability, and outright enjoyable.Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM with the optionally available hood. Picture credit score: CanonThe greatest lens is the one you’ve with youAnd the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is likely one of the best lenses to have. It’s a novel mixture of affordability ($470), compactness (346g), and quick aperture, prepared for each lighting situation and depth-of-field requirement. It might be Canon’s greatest 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 not less than).Worth and AvailabilityThe 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.