Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM vs Sigma 56mm 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 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 56mm — 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 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) for short-telephoto / portrait.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM opens to f/1.2 vs the Sigma 56mm 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 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 56mm — different framing and reach.

Frequently asked

Is the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM or the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM is 45mm, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 56mm — 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 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) for short-telephoto / portrait.

What is the main difference between the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM and the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)?

Aperture: the Canon RF45mm F1.2 STM opens to f/1.2 vs the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)'s f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length45mm56mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements910
Optical Groups78
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.2f/1.4
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameAPS-C
Lens MountCanon RFCanon RF
Angle of View51°28°
35mm Equivalent90-90mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSTMHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance45 cm50 cm
Max Magnification0.13x0.1x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoYes
Declickable ApertureNoYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$469$449
Filter Size67mm55mm
Diameter78mm67.2mm
Length75mm59.5mm
Weight346g (12.2 oz)280g (9.9 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo