Canon unveiled its new Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM prime lens last week alongside the EOS R6 Mark III full-frame mirrorless camera. The lens is currently on pre-sale, with shipping scheduled to start in December 2025. However, the RF45mm has proved to be so popular that Canon has already had to issue a warning that it can’t keep up with demand.
Compact design
The Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM prime is a compact lens, measuring 3 inches (75mm) in length and 3.1 inches (78mm) in diameter. Despite having a metal mount, it’s also lightweight at 12.2 ounces (346g). The lens has a control ring with click stops, which you can assign for functions including ISO and white balance. Also, there’s a manual focus ring and a physical switch to choose between manual and autofocus.
Optical construction
The Canon RF45mm prime lens delivers a natural perspective close to human vision, with a wider angle than the traditional 50mm focal length. Optically, it’s constructed with 9 lens elements in 7 groups, including one PMo aspheric lens element. Canon says this helps minimize aberrations for sharper, more accurate images. The lens also features a Super Spectra Coating.
Autofocus
The Canon RF45mm prime lens uses a gear-type STM motor paired with a magnetic detection system for smooth, precise autofocus. This design also helps to keep the lens compact and lightweight. In addition, the lens features a fixed rear-lens focusing system, which minimizes image quality shifts across distances. The minimum focus distance is 17.7 inches (45 cm).
Wide maximum aperture
The Canon RF45mm prime lens has a super wide maximum aperture of F1.2. This will deliver great low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field when wide open. The iris also features nine aperture blades to deliver a smooth, circular bokeh.
Plus, a digital lens optimizer corrects distortions for outstanding rendering.
What has Canon said
Canon announced the RF45mm F1.2 STM prime lens on November 6 and made it available for pre-order. However, only 5 days later, on November 11, the company posted an apology on the Canon Japan website. It stated, “Thank you for your continued patronage of Canon products. Currently, we have received many orders for each of the following products, and delivery time is delayed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers and business partners. We will continue to take measures to ensure stable product supply so that we can deliver products as soon as possible as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.” One of the lenses listed was the RF45mm.
What we think
At under $500, the Canon RF45mm is a bit of a steal for a lens with an F1.2 maximum aperture. It’s little wonder then that Canon is struggling to keep up with demand, even during the presale. However, it’s good that the company has acted quickly to warn customers of the possible delays. While there will no doubt be some frustration, it’s always worse when companies stay silent on supply difficulties. At least potential purchasers have now been forewarned before placing their orders. If you are looking to pick up Canon’s new RF45mm F1.2 STM prime lens, you might want to join the queue sooner rather than later.
Pricing and availability
The Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM prime lens retails at $469. On the Canon USA website, it currently still states “Estimated arrival on: Wednesday, December 03.” However, this may now be subject to delays.
