Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM

The Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM is an L-series macro lens for full-frame RF cameras. Canon describes it as the world's first medium-telephoto autofocus macro lens with a maximum magnification of 1.4x, so it goes beyond the usual life-size 1:1 ratio. It was announced in April 2021 and is the native RF counterpart to the EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM.

Optical design

The lens has 17 elements in 13 groups and an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/32 with 9 blades. Canon uses a Super Spectra Coating and a fluorine coating on the front element. The most unusual feature is the spherical aberration (SA) control ring: Canon says it lets you adjust the character of foreground and background blur. Maximum magnification is 1.4x, and the minimum focus distance is 0.26 m, which means a subject of 25 x 17 mm fills the frame, according to Canon.

Autofocus and handling

Focusing uses Dual Nano USM. For stabilization, the lens carries an optical stabilizer with up to 5 stops of correction. Canon adds a Hybrid IS that compensates for angular and shift shake during macro shooting. With coordinated control on an EOS R5, Canon quotes up to 8 stops. Besides the SA control ring, there is a control ring for direct setting changes.

Build and size

The lens weighs 730 g and measures 81.5 mm in diameter and 148 mm in length. The filter thread is 67 mm. Canon lists dust and weather resistance at the mount rubber ring, focus ring, control ring, SA control ring, switch panel and switches.

Where it fits

The Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM in our database is lighter at 625 g, reaches 1:1 magnification and uses the EF mount. Within RF, the RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM (500 g) is the smaller option with a lower magnification, and the RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro is a short-focal-length macro for general use. The RF 100mm is the choice for photographers who want more than life-size magnification in a medium-telephoto macro.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 1.4x maximum magnification, above life size
• Stabilizer with up to 5 stops and Hybrid IS for macro shake
• SA control ring to shape the blur
• Dust and weather sealing at several points
• Constant f/2.8 with 9 aperture blades

Cons

• 730 g is heavier than the EF 100mm L Macro (625 g)
• Dual Nano USM, SA ring and control ring add handling to learn
• Large and heavy for a single-purpose focal length

Verdict

The RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM is a specialist lens with a clear unique feature: magnification beyond 1:1 and a bokeh control ring. It suits serious macro and detail work. For occasional close-ups, smaller and cheaper macro lenses in the RF range may be enough.