topic Re: Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM (vs EF 50mm F1.2 L) in Gear Guide

Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM (vs EF 50mm F1.2 L)

aquab — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:05:13 GMT

I just found out that the new Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is supposed to be released soon, and I recently ordered the EF 50mm f/1.2L in mint condition to use on my R8 with an adapter. I love the EF 50’s field curvature when shot wide open it’s beautiful for portraits, and I don’t need the extreme sharpness of the new RF 50 (especially at that price). The EF 50 actually reminds me of the old-but-gold Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4, which has a similar field curvature that gives it such a unique character, and famous 3D Pop. Still, I can’t help but wonder what the new RF 45mm will be like and whether it might have any advantages over the EF 50L.

Re: Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM (vs EF 50mm F1.2 L)

ebiggs1 — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:38:13 GMT

The ef 50mm f1.2L is not an easy lens to use well perhaps the new RF 45mm will be easier.

Re: Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM (vs EF 50mm F1.2 L)

dpsaiz — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:26:41 GMT

According to our friend at The Digital Picture posts the following pros/cons. Its $230 more than the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and $10 less than the RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM.

What I was hoping for is an RF 50mm f/1.4 STM that's about the same size as the RF 45mm f/1.2 STM and roughly similar price point. I guess this is a compromise since Canon already has an RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM and making a 50mm f/1.2 or f/1.4 STM would rob sales from the L lens.

Re: Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM (vs EF 50mm F1.2 L)

Danielalcantar — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 02:24:57 GMT

My hope when this lens was rumored was that they'd essentially rehouse the ef 50mm 1.2L and add the new STM motors. This offering seems to be a no brainer for casual/street imho. Still chasing that look from DSLR + EF-L combo on the R mount. Modern stuff can't touch it.

Re: Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM (vs EF 50mm F1.2 L)

zakslm — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:40:46 GMT

aquab,

I am parroting what I've heard from a few podcasters and what I've read on some early reviews of the RF 45 1.2 but they all pretty much state that although the RF 45mm 1.2 will be a really nice lens and at an appealing price, it is not of the caliber (build quality, optical performance, etc.) of 50MM L lens family of lenses.

I don't know the difference in cost between the EF 50 you ordered and the RF 45 1.2, but that may be a consideration as well as the if there will be a wait list for the RF 45 1.2.

On the other hand, ebiggs1 has stated many times on this forum including in his response that "The ef 50mm f1.2L is not an easy lens to use well" and I believe him!

Good luck!

Re: Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM (vs EF 50mm F1.2 L)

Asiafish1967 — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 01:35:12 GMT

It is absolutely easy to duplicate the look of a DSLR with the EF-L 50/1.2. Just use the mount adapter and the old EF lens has all of the magic it ever did, only with fewer focusing misses.

Re: Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM (vs EF 50mm F1.2 L)

AIPickles — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:47:30 GMT

“Entry level image quality” kind of cracks me up. It’s been a long time since a lens has been produced at this price point or even less that has been limited by its build more thank the photographer. Outside of mtf charts and pixel peeping it’s just silliness at this point.