Inexpensive & Superfast
Words: Rohinton Mehta
The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM lens was introduced globally along with the Canon EOS R6 III body around the end of November 2025. The lens is targeted at newcomers and enthusiasts who need a superfast lens for low light photography without breaking the bank.
Design & Build Quality
The outer body is made with polycarbonate. The build quality appears to be good enough – if you don’t compare it to the expensive Canon lenses. The lens mount is made of metal. Filter size is 67mm diameter. The lens weighs 346g and is made in Japan.
Key Features
The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 is constructed with 9 elements in 7 groups, that include 1 x PMo (Plastic Molded) Asherical lens element. The PMo Aspherical element reduces cost and weight yet offers good corrections of spherical aberrations. As mentioned earlier, the lens mount is made of metal. 12 gold-plated contacts transmit power and data to the body and lens. The large f/1.2 aperture, when used correctly, can help in reducing the depth of field and improve the ‘bokeh’. The STM (Stepping Motor) aids in quiet autofocus. The manual focus ring is very smooth. Near the filter end is a Control Ring which allows you to set the ISO, control the aperture, and some other settings. A MF/AF switch is available by the side of the lens. There is no built-in image stabilization as that is available in compatible Canon bodies.
Ergonomics
The lens is compact, lightweight and easy to use. The ‘fast’ f/1.2 aperture allows you to easily shoot in very low light. But do keep in mind, when the light is sufficiently bright, you may overexpose your shots if you try to use f/1.2 without any neutral density filter!
Performance
The RF 45mm f/1.2 STM lens, though comparatively inexpensive, proved great value for money. Even wide open at f/1.2, the center of the frame was passably sharp, with the sides/corners a tad less sharp. Stopped down to around f/1.8 – f/2, showed an improvement, and at f/2.8, the center as well as the sides were reasonably sharp. Could be that this low- cost lens was designed with the premise that most users would use it in low-light, wide open for a soft blurry backdrop. Stopping down to f/4 will get you the sides/corners sharp.
There is some amount of flare, especially when shooting wide open into the light. Purple fringing could be noticed in some situations. In difficult lighting situations, I sometimes felt that slightly adjusting the manual focus ring after AF was achieved made the picture a tad sharper. Overall, a good performer, especially if you consider that it’s a superfast lens at a modest price.
Value for Money
The RF 45mm f/1.2 STM lens sells at an MRP Rs.40,495 /-. Considering that the street price will be even less, I would say this lens is great value for money. One point though – the lens does not come with a lens hood. You need to buy it separately.
| PLUS | MINUS |
| Sharp lens, especially when you consider its price Allows you to shoot in very low light Easy to use Affordable 67mm dia. filter thread | Lens hood not supplied No built-in IS (Is it really required for such a ‘fast’ lens?) |
In the Box
- Lens
- Frount lens cap (E-67 II)
- Rear lens cap
- Lens hood
- Lens pouch (LP1116)
Pricing: `40,495/-
