Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM vs Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 35mm, the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 45mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if…
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.13x.
Choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM opens to f/1.2 vs the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 35mm, Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 45mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.13x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM or the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 35mm, the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 45mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.13x.
Who should choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM?
Choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM?
Aperture: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM opens to f/1.2 vs the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 45mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 63° – 63° | 51° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 45 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.13x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $469 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 74.4mm | 78mm |
| Length | 62.8mm | 75mm |
| Weight | 305g (10.8 oz) | 346g (12.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
