Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM vs Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM
Both are Canon RF mount primes for street and low-light — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM | Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 20mm | 45mm |
| Max aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.2 |
| Type | prime | prime |
| Coverage | full-frame | full-frame |
| Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
Which should you buy?
- the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM opens wider (f/1.2) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- the Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM (20mm) is wider — more in the frame for street and interiors; the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM (45mm) is tighter — more reach and compression for portraits
Where to buy
Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCMSee price on Amazon
Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STMSee price on Amazon
FAQ
What's the difference between the Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM and the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM?
The Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM is 20mm f/1.4 prime, full-frame; the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is 45mm f/1.2 prime, full-frame. Both fit the Canon RF mount.
Which is better in low light, the Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM or the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM?
The Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM — its f/1.2 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/1.4 of the other.
Do the Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM and Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Canon RF mount lenses, so they fit Canon EOS R series (full-frame R5/R6/R8) and APS-C (R7/R10/R50).
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