BREAKING: Canon has just released its innovative 45mm f/1.2 STM lens, a game-changer for portrait and video work that promises to reshape how photographers approach everyday shooting. This compact lens, weighing in at just 12.2 oz, offers an impressive maximum aperture of f/1.2, making it an affordable and versatile option for both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The lens’s lightweight design allows photographers to seamlessly incorporate it into their daily routines, whether on leisurely walks, travel adventures, or demanding wedding schedules. A new video review showcases the lens in action during a real-world portrait session. It captures stunning imagery at a tucked-away beach, illustrating the lens’s capability to handle a range of shots from full-body frames to intimate portraits.
With a focal length of 45mm, this lens sits perfectly between wide-angle and standard prime, delivering an ideal balance for storytelling while maintaining flattering subject isolation. The video highlights its performance during dynamic shoots, showcasing how it excels in both stills and motion, even in changing light conditions.
Photographer Alex Cooke emphasizes the lens’s unique optical characteristics, noting that its slightly low-contrast, “dreamy” quality at f/1.2 can be enhanced in post-processing. Stopping down to around f/2–f/2.8 yields sharper results, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios.
Key specifications include:
– **Focal Length:** 45mm
– **Maximum Aperture:** f/1.2
– **Minimum Focus Distance:** 1.5′ / 45 cm
– **Mount:** Canon RF, full frame coverage
– **Optical Design:** 9 elements in 7 groups
– **Focus Type:** STM autofocus
– **Filter Thread:** 67 mm front filter
Cooke’s video not only provides stunning visuals but also dives into the lens’s limitations. He discusses how it relies on in-camera corrections to manage vignetting and distortion, and warns of potential noise in low-light conditions. He also addresses the bokeh characteristics, revealing how backgrounds can appear “nervous” compared to pricier alternatives.
The review evaluates autofocus performance across multiple Canon bodies, including the Canon EOS RP. This insight is crucial for photographers considering whether the lens’s performance meets their needs, especially at wide apertures.
In a comparative segment, Cooke pits the 45mm f/1.2 against other Canon lenses like the 50mm f/1.2L USM and 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM. Side-by-side comparisons highlight the 45mm’s excellent central sharpness and background blur, providing valuable insights for potential buyers.
As photographers look for flexibility in their gear, this lens may become a go-to option for capturing both environmental portraits and candid moments—all while maintaining ease of use. The video review is available now, urging viewers to explore this exciting addition to Canon’s lineup and consider how it fits into their photography style.
Check out the full report and video from Alex Cooke for an in-depth analysis of the Canon 45mm f/1.2 STM. This lens may just be the perfect solution for your portrait photography needs. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your work!
