What macro lens are you guys using on the EOS R these days? Ive been shooting with my EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM for over a decade now, and honestly, it has been a total workhorse for my product photography work. But ever since I switched over to the EOS R body, using the EF-EOS R adapter has just been annoying me, mainly because the whole rig feels super front-heavy and kinda bulky when I'm trying to do tight tabletop setups in my home office.
I really want to get something native that balances better, but I'm looking at the RF 100mm f/2.8 L and man, that price tag is tough to swallow right now. I have about 800 to 1000 bucks to spend, and I need this for some jewelry shots I have coming up in about three weeks. I know the RF 100mm has that spherical aberration control thingy, but is it really worth the jump in price compared to just finding a clean used one or maybe looking at the RF 85mm f/2? I know 85mm isn't true 1:1 macro but maybe with some extension tubes it could work?
I just feel like I'm stuck between sticking with my old EF glass that I already own and love or dropping way too much cash on the latest RF optics. Does anyone have experience with the RF 100mm? Is the autofocus significantly faster or is it about the same as the old L series? Im just feeling super indecisive about whether the upgrade is actually going to change my workflow or if I'm just falling for the gear acquisition syndrome trap again. Anyway, any thoughts on whether I should just suck it up and save for the RF 100 or if there is another native path that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...
Late to the party, but having used the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM since it launched, I can confirm the balance is superior to the EF version. The spherical aberration control ring is a niche feature for portraits, but for jewelry, you'll care more about the focus breathing suppression and the 1.4x magnification ratio. It really changes the game for tight crop shots.
- The AF motor is quieter and slightly faster than the older EF series due to the dual Nano USM.
- The manual focus ring precision is vastly improved, which helps when dialing in focal planes on small rings. I struggled with that same price anxiety, but the lack of an adapter and the optical stabilization performance basically sold it for me. If the price is too steep, consider renting it for your upcoming shoot before committing to the purchase.
Honestly, I feel your pain. I spent years with the EF 100mm L and that adapter is a constant eyesore when you're doing fine tabletop work. After testing almost everything, here is how the native path looks for your jewelry gigs.
- Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM is the obvious choice but that SA control ring is basically a gimmick for macro. It softens the image on purpose, which is the last thing you want for sharp jewelry details. The autofocus is faster, but honestly, in macro, you are probably going to manual focus anyway. The weight balance is way better than the EF version with an adapter, though.
- Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is definitely cheaper but the lack of true 1:1 ratio is frustrating for small jewelry pieces. Even with tubes, you lose that crispness you are used to with the L glass. In my experience, sticking with your current EF setup is annoying but optically superior to the 85mm. If you can find a used Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM within your budget, grab it. It resolves better than the old EF lens and the IS is rock solid for handheld shots. Dont fall for the gear acquisition syndrome, but if you do upgrade, just ignore the aberration ring. Its distracting and you wont use it for product work anyway.
Great info, saved!
Big if true