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Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM vs Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM

Every published spec side by side, with today's lowest prices for the market you've chosen.

Key differences

  • Aperture blades: 10 on the RF 50mm F1.2L USM, against 9 on the RF 45mm F1.2 STM.
  • Closest focus: 0.40 m on the RF 50mm F1.2L USM, against 0.45 m on the RF 45mm F1.2 STM.
  • Max magnification: 0.19× on the RF 50mm F1.2L USM, against 0.13× on the RF 45mm F1.2 STM.
  • Weather sealed: Yes on the RF 50mm F1.2L USM, against No on the RF 45mm F1.2 STM.
  • Weight: 346 g on the RF 45mm F1.2 STM, against 950 g on the RF 50mm F1.2L USM.

RF 45mm F1.2 STM or RF 50mm F1.2L USM: which should you buy?

Choose the RF 45mm F1.2 STM for its weight.

Choose the RF 50mm F1.2L USM for its aperture blades, closest focus, max magnification and weather sealed.

On paper the RF 50mm F1.2L USM wins more rows (4 to 1); if the RF 45mm F1.2 STM's strengths are the ones you shoot with, and its price is lower where you buy, it can still be the better buy.

Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM
Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM
Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Lowest price today

$429 new

$381.95 used

$2,101 new

$1,749.75 used

Optics
Focal length45mm50mm
35mm equivalent45mm (full frame)50mm (full frame)
Maximum apertureLower f-number lets in more light. A zoom wins only when it is as bright at both ends.f/1.2f/1.2
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Made forFull frameFull frame
Elements / groups9 / 715 / 9
Aperture blades910 (best)
Closest focus0.45 m0.40 m (best)
Max magnification0.13×0.19× (best)
Focus & handling
AutofocusYes (STM)Yes (Ring-type USM)
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Weather sealedNoYes (best)
Internal zoom——
Aperture ringNoNo
Teleconverter compatibleNoNo
Size & weight
Weight346 g (best)950 g
Diameter × length78 × 75 mm89.8 × 108 mm
Filter thread67 mm77 mm

Green marks the better figure where “better” is unambiguous. A dash means the maker doesn't publish it or we haven't verified it yet.

Price history: is the newer one cheaper?

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