Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM vs Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 45mm, the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 23mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) for standard.
Choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 45mm vs 23mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 23mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 265g (9.3 oz) it's lighter than the 346g (12.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.13x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM opens to f/1.2 vs the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)'s f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 45mm, Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 23mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 265g (9.3 oz) vs 346g (12.2 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM or the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 45mm, the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 23mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) for standard.
Who should choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM?
Choose the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM if you need more reach — it goes to 45mm vs 23mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)?
Choose the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) if you shoot wide — it starts at 23mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 265g (9.3 oz) it's lighter than the 346g (12.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.13x.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM and the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM opens to f/1.2 vs the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)'s f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 45mm | 23mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 51° | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 37-37mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 45 cm | 23 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.13x | 0.21x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $469 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 78mm | 64.8mm |
| Length | 75mm | 60.5mm |
| Weight | 346g (12.2 oz) | 265g (9.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
