Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM vs Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is 50mm, 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 50mm f/1.4 L VCM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM if…
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $469 vs $1,799 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 346g (12.2 oz) it's lighter than the 770g (1.70 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM opens to f/1.2 vs the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM's f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is 50mm, Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 45mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is $469, $1,330 under the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 346g (12.2 oz) vs 770g (1.70 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM or the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is 50mm, 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 50mm f/1.4 L VCM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM?
Choose the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM?
Choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM if you're on a budget — $469 vs $1,799 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 346g (12.2 oz) it's lighter than the 770g (1.70 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM and the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM?
Aperture: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM opens to f/1.2 vs the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM's f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50mm | 45mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 10 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 47° | 51° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | VCM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 40 cm | 45 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.18x | 0.13x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,799 | $469 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 84.4mm | 78mm |
| Length | 107.9mm | 75mm |
| Weight | 770g (1.70 lb) | 346g (12.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
