Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ vs Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM
The bottom line
The Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is a zoom (20-50mm) and the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is a 45mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.2 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 20-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 45mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You're on a budget — $469 vs $1,399 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 45mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM opens to f/1.2 vs the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is 20-50mm, Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 45mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is a zoom (flexible framing), the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is $469, $930 under the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Durability: the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ or the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM better?
The Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is a zoom (20-50mm) and the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is a 45mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.2 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ?
Choose the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ if you shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 20-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 45mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it 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 want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you're on a budget — $469 vs $1,399 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 45mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ and the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM?
Aperture: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM opens to f/1.2 vs the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 20-50mm | 45mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | 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 | 94° – 46° | 51° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Nano USM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | − | 45 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.13x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | Yes | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,399 | $469 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | − | 78mm |
| Length | − | 75mm |
| Weight | 420g (14.8 oz) | 346g (12.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
