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Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM 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 400mm F2.8L IS USMCanonRF 45mm F1.2 STM
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2021November 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length400 mm45 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.2
Minimum aperturef/32f/16
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in thirteen groupsNine elements in seven groups
Special elementsTwo fluorite elements and one Super UD elementOne plastic-moulded aspherical element (Canon USA)
CoatingsSuper Spectra and ASC; fluorine coatings on front and rear elementsSuper Spectra coating
Aperture detailMaximum f/2.8; minimum f/32f/1.2–16
DiaphragmNine bladesNine aperture blades
Angle of viewFull-frame diagonal 6°10′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 camerasCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle
Teleconverter supportCompatible with RF 1.4× and RF 2× extendersCanon RF extenders not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.5 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.13×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with Power Doubled Focus Drive on compatible cameras; full-time manual overrideGear-type STM autofocus with magnetic focus-position detection; full-time electronic manual focus
Focus distance detail2.5 m minimum focus; two stored focus presets and variable-speed manual focusingMinimum focusing distance 0.45 m; Canon does not separately specify AF/MF distances
Magnification detail0.17× maximum magnification–
Stabilisation detailCanon rates optical IS at 5.5 stops with EOS R or EOS R5 under CIPA yaw/pitch conditions; modes 1, 2 and 3No optical image stabilisation (Canon USA)
Video featuresAperture control in 1/8-stop increments; power-focus mode for controlled focus transitions–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter52 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter163 mm78 mm
Length367 mm75 mm
Weight2,890 g346 g
ControlsFocus ring, playback ring, focus-preset controls and customisable lens-function buttons; no custom control ring (Cameralabs)Separate focus and clickable control rings; AF/MF switch; no iris ring or lens function button (Canon USA)
Filter detail52 mm drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII), supplied with a clear Protect filter; optional circular polariser and gelatin holder67 mm front screw-in filter thread
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction with heat-reflective white paintNo dust or weather resistant construction (Canon USA)
Dimensions detail163 mm maximum diameter × 367 mm lengthApproximately 78 mm maximum diameter × 75 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 2,890 g lensApproximately 346 g lens
Tripod mountRotating built-in foot with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads; no Arca-Swiss dovetail (Cameralabs)–
Lens hoodET-155 (WIII) included; shorter ET-155B optionalOptional ES-73B hood and LP1116 case; E-67 II front cap and Lens Dust Cap RF listed by Canon
In the boxLens, RF dust cap, drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII) with 52 mm Protect filter, E-180E soft cap, ET-155 (WIII) hood, LS400 soft case, Lens Wide Strap B and user manualFront and rear lens caps (Amateur Photographer); hood not included
Release detailJuly 2021 Japanese first release, confirmed retrospectively by Canon's March 2022 announcement and 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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