Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM vs Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM — What’s the Difference?
Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM vs Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM — What’s the Difference?
Canon’s expanding RF lineup now offers fast, bright primes for every budget — from affordable creative tools to professional-grade optics. Two of the most interesting options for hybrid shooters are the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM, a compact, budget-friendly f/1.2 lens, and the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM, Canon’s latest premium “L” series hybrid lens.
Both promise stunning depth of field and top-tier performance, but they target very different users. The 45mm aims to bring the f/1.2 look to everyone, while the 35mm f/1.4L is a serious pro lens designed for hybrid filmmaking and photography.
So, which one fits your needs (and budget)? Let’s compare.
⚙️ Overview — Affordable Bokeh vs Professional Hybrid Power
Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM
An enthusiast-friendly lens offering an ultra-fast f/1.2 aperture in a surprisingly small, 346 g package. It’s not optically perfect, but it produces gorgeous, characterful images with creamy bokeh and great low-light performance — all for under $500.
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM
Canon’s new flagship 35mm prime is designed for both stills and video. It combines an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture with L-series optics, a new VCM + Nano USM autofocus system, weather sealing, and a dedicated aperture control ring. Built for professionals, it’s a true hybrid lens ready for any challenge.
In short:
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RF 45mm f/1.2: Affordable access to ultra-shallow depth and creative bokeh.
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RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM: Premium sharpness, reliability, and hybrid performance.
📊 Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM | Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM |
|---|---|---|
| Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Focal Length | 45 mm | 35 mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Optical Design | 9 elements in 7 groups (1 Aspherical) | 14 elements in 11 groups |
| Aperture Blades | 9 rounded | 11 rounded |
| Autofocus System | STM (Stepping Motor) | VCM + Nano USM hybrid AF |
| Image Stabilization | ❌ No | ❌ No (relies on IBIS) |
| Weather Sealing | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (L-series protection) |
| Macro Capability | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.45 m (17.7 in) | 0.28 m (11 in) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.13× | 0.18× |
| Control Rings | 1 (focus/control) | 2 (focus + aperture) |
| Focus Breathing Correction | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (enhanced) |
| Filter Size | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | 78 × 75 mm | 76.5 × 99.3 mm |
| Weight | 346 g (0.76 lb) | 555 g (1.22 lb) |
| Build Quality | Plastic + metal mount | Full metal, weather-sealed |
| Launch Price (USD) | ~$469 | ~$1,599 (check on Amazon) |
| Best For | Portraits, lifestyle, low-light creative work | Professional hybrid photography & filmmaking |
🧱 Build and Handling
The RF 45mm f/1.2 is compact, lightweight, and simple — perfect for travel and handheld use. Its design includes a clickable control ring and a separate focus ring, providing a tactile feel uncommon at this price point.
In contrast, the RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM feels unmistakably professional. Its metal construction, deep weather sealing, and dual control rings (focus and aperture) give it the edge for reliability and precision. Despite being heavier, it balances well on full-frame Canon bodies like the EOS R5 and R6 Mark III.
Verdict:
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RF 45mm f/1.2: Great ergonomics, ultra-lightweight build.
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RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM: Premium build quality for professional work.
🎯 Autofocus and Performance
The RF 45mm f/1.2 uses a stepping motor (STM), providing smooth and quiet autofocus suitable for everyday use, though not as lightning-fast as Canon’s higher-end motors. It performs well in low light but can occasionally hesitate during continuous tracking.
The RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM, however, is equipped with Canon’s brand-new VCM + Nano USM hybrid AF system — one of the fastest and quietest autofocus setups in any Canon lens. It’s precise, nearly silent, and optimized for both photography and video, ensuring smooth focus pulls and reliable subject tracking.
Verdict:
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RF 45mm f/1.2: Excellent for casual and portrait shooting.
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RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM: Professional-level autofocus performance.
🧠 Image Quality
Sharpness
The RF 45mm f/1.2 offers great center sharpness and lovely subject rendering at wide apertures, but edge sharpness and optical purity are modest — expected for a lens at this price.
The RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM, meanwhile, delivers exceptional corner-to-corner clarity even wide open, thanks to L-series optics and advanced coatings.
Bokeh
Both lenses produce beautiful background blur, but the RF 45mm f/1.2’s wider aperture creates stronger separation and a creamier, more “characterful” bokeh. The RF 35mm f/1.4L, though slightly less dramatic, produces smoother, cleaner bokeh with minimal aberrations.
Color and Contrast
The L-series 35mm wins with richer colors, deeper contrast, and superb control of flare and ghosting. The RF 45mm f/1.2, on the other hand, offers a warmer, more artistic rendering that many portrait shooters love.
Verdict:
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RF 45mm f/1.2: Expressive, cinematic look with more character.
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RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM: Technically superior with pro-grade clarity.
🎥 Video Performance
Both lenses cater to hybrid creators, but their video strengths differ.
The RF 45mm f/1.2 supports focus breathing correction and has a smooth STM motor for quiet operation. Its f/1.2 aperture produces stunning depth and low-light performance, but it lacks IS, meaning handheld shooters will rely on IBIS.
The RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is designed with filmmakers in mind:
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Manual aperture ring for on-the-fly exposure control.
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Focus breathing suppression for cinematic focus pulls.
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Virtually silent AF operation.
It’s one of Canon’s best hybrid lenses yet.
Verdict:
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RF 45mm f/1.2: Best for creative handheld or low-light video.
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RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM: Best for professional cinematic work.
💰 Price and Value
| Lens | Approx. Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM | ~$469 | Portraits, low-light, lifestyle shooting |
| Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM | ~$1,599 (check on Amazon) | Professional photography and video production |
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The RF 45mm f/1.2 offers incredible value — the f/1.2 look for under $500 is almost unheard of. Its optical performance isn’t perfect, but its creative potential is huge.
The RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM justifies its price with flawless build quality, next-gen autofocus, and cinematic handling. It’s aimed squarely at professionals who need reliability and precision.
Verdict:
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RF 45mm f/1.2: Best for creators on a budget seeking artistic results.
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RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM: Best for pros demanding uncompromising quality.
🏁 Final Verdict — Which One Should You Buy?
| Type of Photographer | Recommended Lens |
|---|---|
| Beginner / Enthusiast | RF 45mm f/1.2 STM |
| Professional Photographer | RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM |
| Hybrid Shooter (Photo + Video) | RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM |
| Portrait Photographer | RF 45mm f/1.2 STM |
| Filmmaker / Videographer | RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM |
| Low-Light / Creative Shooter | RF 45mm f/1.2 STM |
| Budget Buyer | RF 45mm f/1.2 STM |
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✅ In short:
If you’re a creator or enthusiast looking to experience ultra-shallow depth of field, low-light capability, and that magical f/1.2 look — the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM delivers incredible bang for your buck.
If you’re a professional hybrid shooter needing top-tier sharpness, precise focus, and a fully weather-sealed, cinematic-ready lens — the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is worth every dollar.
💡 Pro tip:
On APS-C Canon bodies like the EOS R7, the RF 45mm becomes a 72mm f/1.2 equivalent, making it an amazing portrait lens.
Meanwhile, the RF 35mm f/1.4L gives you a 56mm f/1.4 equivalent — a perfect hybrid focal length for photo and video storytelling.
Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒
📷 Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia
📷 Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia
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