The Canon EOS R6 Mark III shines, but this lens takes it to the next level.

Canon’s EOS R6 Mark III is a solid camera choice. While it doesn’t revolutionize the three-year-old R6 Mark II, it retains the same ergonomic body while boosting resolution, offering video capabilities up to 7K with open-gate filming, and enhancing autofocus performance. If you’re looking for a versatile camera that excels in everything from wildlife shots to weddings and videography, this is a fantastic option. It’s especially appealing for current Canon users ready for an upgrade. However, if the $2,799.99 price tag feels steep, a used R6 Mark II is still a great alternative.

Now, let’s talk about the lens that Canon introduced alongside this camera—it’s truly something special. As a fan of fast-aperture lenses, I’m completely enamored with it. The RF 45mm f/1.2 STM lens is a standout in its class. Priced at $469.99, it offers an incredible value for an f/1.2 maximum aperture, a rarity in the photo and video world. Typically, such fast lenses come with a hefty price tag, often reserved for manual focus options from lesser-known brands. Canon’s tight control over its full-frame RF mount means that this new 45mm lens stands out even more, especially when you consider that Canon’s own RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens costs a staggering $2,600. Even a more affordable Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN lens for other systems exceeds $1,500. The sub-$500 price point of the 45mm makes it accessible to a wider audience beyond just professionals and affluent enthusiasts.

But the 45mm f/1.2 isn’t just budget-friendly; it’s an impressive lens. Its compact size makes it an ideal everyday companion for the R6 or the smaller R8 body. While it lacks the weather sealing of Canon’s L series lenses and the lens hood costs an extra $59, I don’t expect weather resistance at this price point. Personally, I’d skip the hood to keep the setup as compact and portable as possible. Coming from a heavier Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM lens, which weighs 778 grams (1.72 pounds), I find the Canon 45mm incredibly appealing. It’s nearly a full pound lighter and much less cumbersome.

Does the 45mm f/1.2 match the optical quality of pricier, pro-grade f/1.2 lenses? Not quite. However, its image quality is more than satisfactory, and the aesthetic it produces is delightful enough that I can overlook its minor flaws. The RF 45mm excels in delivering that coveted wide-aperture look, with a super shallow depth of field and beautiful background blur, often referred to as “bokeh.” It’s sharp in the center at f/1.2, though the corners can get a bit soft, which is reasonable for a lens at this price point. Most of your subjects will likely be positioned near the center, where the sharpness is most pronounced.

This lens isn’t “dreamy” or filled with “character”—terms often used to describe softer lenses. I’ve kept the aperture at f/1.2 for most of my shots and have rarely been disappointed with its performance. If I were using a Canon system, this lens would be my go-to for everyday moments. Honestly, if Canon were to integrate this lens into a compact camera like a Fujifilm X100 or a Leica Q, I’d be all in for that as my daily carry.

The RF 45mm does have its shortcomings, with the most notable being color fringing in high-contrast areas, which can manifest as purple or green edges around the point of focus. This issue, known as longitudinal chromatic aberration (LoCa), is common in lower-cost lenses with large apertures. It can be particularly noticeable when shooting holiday lights, which can be distracting, especially when scrutinizing images closely. However, given the size and price of this f/1.2 lens, I can manage.

I have to admit, I’m quite taken with this lens. I appreciate fast primes that offer great value. While many lenses from Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Fujifilm are excellent these days, their prices keep climbing as they push the boundaries of image quality and autofocus. We need more lenses like the RF 45mm f/1.2: fast, affordable primes that are compact enough for everyday use. It may make some compromises in image quality, but they’re the right ones for achieving a unique look and feel that’s hard to find at this price point.