So I bought this R5 to shoot tiny bugs in my garden but honestly I am completely lost on lenses. My logic was just get the most expensive one but I only have like $900 left. Sorry if this is stupid but what macro lens actually fits this camera and works for closeups? I cant figure this out.
Be careful with the Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM because it only goes to 0.5x magnification, which might frustrate you with tiny bugs. Honestly, I would suggest the Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Canon EF instead. It gets you true 1:1 macro for way under budget, though it is a bit heavy.
Dont worry, navigating the RF system can be a bit confusing at first but you have a monster of a camera. Since you want to shoot tiny bugs, magnification ratio is the most important spec here. You want at least 1:1 magnification, meaning the bug projects at life-size on the sensor. For your $900 budget, you have two solid paths. First is the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO RF mount. It runs about $500 new. This is a fully manual lens, meaning no autofocus, but it gives you 2:1 magnification. For tiny insects, having that 2x life-size magnification is a game changer. The optical quality is incredibly sharp with almost zero chromatic aberration. If you want autofocus and metadata transmission, look at the EF DSLR lenses with an adapter. You can get a used Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM for around $600. Pair it with the standard Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R which is about $100. This setup gives you image stabilization and excellent autofocus, which helps if you are handholding in the garden. The 1:1 magnification combined with the R5 45-megapixel sensor gives you plenty of room to crop in. Both have pros and cons depending on how comfortable you are with manual focusing. Let me know if you need help understanding the adapter setup or how reproduction ratios work.
Not sure if you want to buy used, but I think going with older EF glass is your best bet here. You will need an adapter but they are pretty cheap. Here is what to look for:
- A focal length around 90mm or 100mm so you dont scare the bugs away
- True 1:1 magnification
- Image stabilization, though IIRC the R5 in-body stabilization helps a lot anyway Going EF saves tons of cash and the quality is basically identical to native RF.
Honestly, stay away from the cheaper adapters if you can. I had issues with mounting and focus consistency, which is a nightmare when you're trying to nail a shot of a tiny bug. The R5 is precise, so don't throw cheap parts at it. Unfortunately, the native macro options are pricey, but for reliability, you should look into the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM. It is way over your budget, I know, but maybe wait and save? If you absolutely need something now, grab the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM with the official Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. It's built like a tank and the stabilization is actually dependable, unlike some third-party stuff I've tried. Whatever you do, dont cheap out on the adapter. It's just not worth the headache.
