So I just got this Canon R5 which I know is way too much camera for me but it was a graduation gift and I really want to take those super close up shots of like bumblebees and tiny flowers in my garden. I keep seeing the word macro everywhere but honestly I have no idea where to start or which glass actually fits the thing. Is there a specific one thats easy for a beginner? I dont want to buy something and then realize I need a weird adapter or something because I saw some stuff about EF and RF and it just makes my head spin.
Heres what Im looking for:
- easy to use cause I still dont really understand all the settings
- something around $800 to $1200 if thats even possible for a good one
- good for handheld because I hate carrying a tripod around my yard
- needs to be delivered before my trip to the Smokies next month
Is the 100mm one the one everyone talks about? Or is there a cheaper version that isnt so heavy? Im just so lost with all the numbers on the side of the lenses and I dont want to waste money on the wrong thing... anyone have any ideas?
Ive been really happy with the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM lately. It is way lighter than the 100mm and fits your budget easily. No adapters needed since its a native RF lens. Its honestly great for handheld garden shots. Quick tip... keep your shutter speed really high for those bees, like 1/500 or more, or theyll just be a blurry mess.
Man you got so lucky with that R5 as a gift... its an absolute monster for macro. I honestly spent months agonizing over which glass to get for mine and finally settled on the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM. Its basically the big brother of that 100mm everyone talks about but built specifically for your camera so no weird adapters needed. Last summer I spent a whole afternoon in my garden just trying to get a clear shot of a sphinx moth. I was terrified I would need a tripod because my hands are a bit shaky, but the image stabilization on this lens works so well with the R5 sensor that I could just crouch there and snap away. I ended up with these incredibly sharp shots where you can see the individual scales on the wings. It was super satisfying to finally get that professional result without lugging gear around. Since youre headed to the Smokies, here are two quick things to help:
- Turn on Focus Peaking in your R5 menu (it highlights what is in focus in red or yellow)
- Use the SA Control ring on the lens to make the background blur look even smoother If the 100mm feels a bit heavy, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is a solid runner up. Its way lighter and fits your budget perfectly, though it doesnt get quite as close as the 100mm does. Honestly tho, for garden stuff and bees, the 100mm is the one that really makes people go wow. No complaints from my end after a year of heavy use.
Solid advice 👍
Bump - same question here
Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.
