While the new EOS R6 Mark III will probably siphon most of our limited attention span, it’s been quite a while since I got so excited about a piece of gear. This new RF 45mm f/1.2 lens is both a nostalgic throwback to simpler times as well as a technological marvel, the culmination of various optical innovations. But most of all, it’s a sub-400 g, sub-$500, f/1.2 normal lens. Now who would have thought such a sentence would ever be written on an autofocusing, fully electronic, totally modern, genuine, “1st party” lens? What a time to be alive, writing about photo-video gear! Prime lenses are fairly abundant, and among this brethren, normal lenses are the most numerous. Every respectable mount is adorned with several 50mm lenses, catering to various needs, price points, and technical levels. This has been the case for many years, though something has changed: The size and the price. Ever since the immensely popular SIGMA 50mm f/1.4 HSM Art was announced, we’ve seen more manufacturers opting for the massive lens path, walking the path of optical perfection, abandoning compactness, optical flaws, and “character”. The new standard of hungry, high-resolution sensors demanded great optical performance, and these were provided by most manufacturers. Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM on the new EOS R6 Mark III. Image credit: Canon Some, however, have kept a compact, usually affordable option as part of their line. Canon maintained the “nifty fifty”, with its venerable 50mm f/1.8. Nikon has the 40mm f/2.0, as well...
Published By: CineD - Today