All-new Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS

THE LATEST addition to Canon’s full-frame mirrorless RF lens range is super cially a rather familiar-sounding lens. The rm has made a series of much-loved EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro lenses, and the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM takes over the mantle for the full-frame mirrorless era. But it’s not just a carbon copy of the rm’s DSLR lens, instead gaining a couple of stand-out new features that promise to make it an excellent choice for both close-ups and portraits.

Firstly, the lens offers an impressively high magni cation ratio of 1.4x at its minimum focus distance of 26cm, rather than the usual life-size. Secondly, the lens gains a new spherical aberration control ring, which can be used to adjust the smoothness of the bokeh either in front of, or behind the main subject. The SA control ring rotates smoothly either side of a click-stop in its neutral central position, where it can also be locked.

Canon has also included its Hybrid IS system, as previously seen in the EF-mount equivalent. By measuring translational as well as angular shake, this aims to provide improved stabilisation for close-up shooting. The lens is rated to deliver ve stops of stabilisation in CIPA-standard tests, increasing to 8 stops when used on the EOS R5 and R6 with their in-body stabilisation systems. However, you’re likely to get rather less bene t at close focus distances. Other features include a Dual Nano USM system to provide silent autofocus and suppress focus breathing, which Canon says makes the lens ideal for focus stacking techniques. A 9-blade diaphragm is on board for attractive bokeh and offers settings down to f/32.

Optically, the lens employs 17 elements in 13 groups. Its weather-sealed barrel measures 148mm in length and 81.5mm in diameter, while weighing in at 730g. The front element has a water-repellent uorine coating and the lens accepts 67mm lters. These features don’t come cheap, though. The Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has a recommended price of £1,479.99, which is almost half as much again as its EF stablemate.