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Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM vs Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonRF 20mm F1.4 L VCMCanonRF 45mm F1.2 STM
Overview
ReleasedApril 2025November 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length20 mm45 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.2
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Optical constructionFifteen elements in eleven groupsNine elements in seven groups
Special elementsOne Super UD, two UD, one BR and two glass-moulded aspherical elements; ASC, SWC and Super Spectra coatings; front fluorine coatingOne plastic-moulded aspherical element (Canon USA)
Coatings–Super Spectra coating
Aperture detail–f/1.2–16
DiaphragmEleven blades with circular apertureNine aperture blades
Angle of view–43°35′ horizontal, 29°50′ vertical and 51°20′ diagonal on full frame
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; RF extenders not compatible. Iris ring provides movie aperture control; Canon lists EOS R, RP, Ra, R3, R5, R6, R6 Mark II, R7, R8, R10, R50, R100 and R5 C as unable to set still-photo aperture with this ring even with their latest firmwareCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle
Teleconverter support–Canon RF extenders not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.19×0.13×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRear focusing system driven by a VCM motorGear-type STM autofocus with magnetic focus-position detection; full-time electronic manual focus
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.2 mMinimum focusing distance 0.45 m; Canon does not separately specify AF/MF distances
Magnification detailMaximum 0.19×–
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabiliser; Canon rates EOS R1 in-body stabilisation at 8 stops centrally and 5 stops in the corners under CIPA-2024 testingNo optical image stabilisation (Canon USA)
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter76.5 mm78 mm
Length99.3 mm75 mm
Weight519 g346 g
ControlsElectronic manual-focus, customisable control and smooth-action iris rings; iris Auto-position lock; customisable lens function button; AF/MF switchSeparate focus and clickable control rings; AF/MF switch; no iris ring or lens function button (Canon USA)
Filter detail67 mm front thread and rear filter holder; Canon specifies a single rear filter no thicker than 0.2 mm and recommends removing the holder when unused to avoid possible ghosting67 mm front screw-in filter thread
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant construction with mount rubber sealNo dust or weather resistant construction (Canon USA)
Dimensions detailApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm lengthApproximately 78 mm maximum diameter × 75 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 519 g lensApproximately 346 g lens
Lens hoodEW-73H hood includedOptional ES-73B hood and LP1116 case; E-67 II front cap and Lens Dust Cap RF listed by Canon
In the boxLens, E-67 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-73H hood, LP1219 case, rear filter holder and user manualFront and rear lens caps (Amateur Photographer); hood not included
Release detailApril 2025 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumCanon Japan's 14 November 2025 notice confirms first sale on 28 November 2025; Photography Blog instead reports availability from 20 November without a matching regional maker day, so no UK date is inferred

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