Tamron

Tamron AFF013C 45mm f/1.8 Canon Prime Lens

4.2 (135 reviews)
f/1.8

Tamron's 45mm f/1.8 prime delivers razor-sharp images with built-in stabilization and whisper-quiet autofocus for Canon shooters.

$599.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is a premium standard prime lens built for Canon full-frame and APS-C DSLRs. Its slightly wider-than-50mm focal length offers a natural perspective that works beautifully for street photography, portraits, and everyday shooting. The fast f/1.8 aperture paired with nine rounded diaphragm blades delivers smooth background separation, while the optical design ensures outstanding resolving power and sharpness even when shooting wide open. Tamron's fluorine coating on the front element adds practical durability by repelling water droplets, dust, and fingerprints.

What truly distinguishes this lens from competing standard primes is the inclusion of Tamron's VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization, a feature rarely found in fast primes at this focal length. Combined with the USD ultrasonic autofocus motor for quick, near-silent focusing, the lens performs confidently in both photo and video applications. The remarkably short 11.4-inch minimum focus distance allows photographers to get close to subjects for pseudo-macro work, adding versatility that extends well beyond what a typical 50mm prime can offer.

Key Features

Fast f/1.8 aperture

Dynamic close focusing capability

Fluorine coating on front element to repel water and fingerprints

Outstanding image quality even when wide open

High speed AF with USD (ultrasonic drive)

Specifications

Focal Length
45mm
Maximum Aperture
f/1.8
Lens Mount
Canon EF
Image Stabilization
VC (Vibration Compensation)
Autofocus Motor
USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)
Minimum Focus Distance
11.4 inches (29 cm)
Aperture Blades
9 (Rounded)
Front Element Coating
Fluorine Coating
Sensor Coverage
Full-Frame (Di)
Model Number
AFF013C

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Built-in Vibration Compensation allows sharp handheld shooting in challenging light
  • Exceptionally close 11.4-inch minimum focus distance for a standard prime
  • Fluorine-coated front element resists fingerprints and moisture
  • Fast, quiet USD autofocus motor performs well for both stills and video
  • Nine rounded aperture blades produce smooth, pleasing bokeh

👎 Cons

  • The 45mm focal length is slightly wider than the more common 50mm, which may not suit photographers expecting a traditional nifty-fifty field of view
  • Heavier and larger than many competing 50mm f/1.8 primes due to the stabilization mechanism
  • Canon mount only — not usable on other camera systems without an adapter

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it features Tamron's VC (Vibration Compensation) system, which helps produce sharp handheld shots in low light and at slower shutter speeds.
The minimum focus distance is 11.4 inches (29 cm), giving it a notably close focusing capability for a standard prime lens.
No, the USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) motor is designed for quiet, fast focusing, making it well-suited for video work where microphone pickup is a concern.
Yes, the front element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and fingerprints, making it easier to clean and more resistant to smudges.
Yes, the "Di" designation means it is designed for full-frame sensors, though it also works on APS-C Canon bodies.