Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM vs Canon RF 50mm F1.4L VCM
Every published spec side by side, with today's lowest prices for the market you've chosen.
Key differences
- Maximum aperture: f/1.2 on the RF 45mm F1.2 STM, against f/1.4 on the RF 50mm F1.4L VCM.
- Aperture blades: 11 on the RF 50mm F1.4L VCM, against 9 on the RF 45mm F1.2 STM.
- Closest focus: 0.40 m on the RF 50mm F1.4L VCM, against 0.45 m on the RF 45mm F1.2 STM.
- Max magnification: 0.15× on the RF 50mm F1.4L VCM, against 0.13× on the RF 45mm F1.2 STM.
- Weather sealed: Yes on the RF 50mm F1.4L VCM, against No on the RF 45mm F1.2 STM.
- Aperture ring: Yes on the RF 50mm F1.4L VCM, against No on the RF 45mm F1.2 STM.
RF 45mm F1.2 STM or RF 50mm F1.4L VCM: which should you buy?
Choose the RF 45mm F1.2 STM for its maximum aperture and weight.
Choose the RF 50mm F1.4L VCM for its aperture blades, closest focus, max magnification and weather sealed. It leads on 5 specs in all.
On paper the RF 50mm F1.4L VCM wins more rows (5 to 2); 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.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest price today | $429 new $381.95 used | $1,449 new |
| Optics | ||
| Focal length | 45mm | 50mm |
| 35mm equivalent | 45mm (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/1.2 (best) | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| Elements / groups | 9 / 7 | 14 / 11 |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 11 (best) |
| Closest focus | 0.45 m | 0.40 m (best) |
| Max magnification | 0.13× | 0.15× (best) |
| Focus & handling | ||
| Autofocus | Yes (STM) | Yes (VCM + Nano USM) |
| Optical stabilisation | No | No |
| Weather sealed | No | Yes (best) |
| Internal zoom | — | — |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes (best) |
| Teleconverter compatible | No | No |
| Size & weight | ||
| Weight | 346 g (best) | 580 g |
| Diameter × length | 78 × 75 mm | 76.5 × 99.3 mm |
| Filter thread | 67 mm | 67 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.