Im so stoked to finally start shooting macro with my EOS R! Ive been deep diving into forums for days but Im honestly just spinning my wheels now. I saw a lot of love for the Canon RF 100mm but that price tag is a bit steep for my current budget, and then I read someone saying the older EF 100mm with an adapter is basically the same thing but way cheaper. Is that true or am I losing quality? Im mostly looking to shoot insects in my backyard here in Oregon before the rainy season hits next month. Should I just save up for the RF glass or is the adapter route fine for a beginner?
Honestly, you should go with the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM and the official adapter! It is amazing for bugs and way easier on the wallet.
- The image quality is stunning and sharp.
- No need to worry about losing quality.
- You will have plenty of cash left for extra gear! Seriously, don't overthink it, just get out there and start shooting before the rain!
Just catching up here! Honestly, snagging the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM used is a total steal. I saved hundreds that way and the clarity is absolutely fantastic for bugs!
^ This. Also, I feel your pain so hard right now. Ive been staring at my checkout cart for weeks trying to justify the RF 100mm, but my wallet is just screaming no. I am in the exact same spot, obsessing over whether to drop the cash or stick with my old EF gear while I wait for a sale. In my experience, sticking with the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM via the mount adapter is actually the smart move for now because:
- The optical design is basically legendary at this point.
- You get that sweet L-series weather sealing which is a lifesaver for Oregon weather.
- The autofocus performance holds up perfectly fine on the R system. Basically, don't sweat the adapter thing. Most of us are just using the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R and honestly you cant tell the difference in the final shots. Save your money for a decent flash setup instead, you're gonna need it for those bugs anyway.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I totally get the paralysis by analysis! Everyone here is pointing toward the EF glass because frankly, the optics in the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM are legendary. I spent years shooting with that lens on my old 5D, and honestly, the transition to the EOS R with an adapter is seamless. You literally lose nothing in terms of resolution or AF speed. Since you are hunting insects, here is why that older tech still crushes it:
- The hybrid IS is a lifesaver when you are handheld in the backyard.
- Color rendition is classic Canon, super punchy and warm.
- Build quality is weather-sealed, which you will definitely need given Oregon weather. Honestly, dont sweat the RF hype yet. While the newer RF version has that cool spherical aberration control, it is a luxury, not a necessity. If you really want to save, keep an eye out for the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM non-L version too, but the L series is just so sharp it hurts. Grab the adapter, get the glass, and get those bug shots before the rain rolls in!
Forget the 100mm obsession for a sec. If you want bug shots in Oregon and that EF/RF price range is stressing you out, just grab the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro. It is built like a tank and the stabilization is super reliable for handheld shots of skittish insects. I have used it for years and am completely satisfied with the sharpness. Another solid move if you want to save even more is the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO. You lose autofocus, but for macro, you are basically manual focusing anyway. It gives you 2:1 magnification which is awesome for tiny stuff and the image quality is honestly pro-grade. Just grab the adapter and call it a day. You'll be fine.