Here is the very first in-depth review from the Photography Blog. They have published the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens review (tested on the 20MP Canon EOS R6).
Their verdict is : “The Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is a superb macro lens boasting class-leading magnification, outstanding sharpness, impeccable build quality and a unique Spherical Aberration Control ring .”
The RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is the world’s first AF macro lens with an incredible 1.4x close up magnification for superb images. With L-series optical and build quality, the RF 100 macro delivers outstanding image quality and high-grade image stabilization and autofocus performance from a well-constructed, weather-sealed package.
Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens
- RF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- 1.4x Magnification with Autofocus
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/32
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 10.2″
- Super Spectra Coating
- Smooth and Quiet Auto Focus
- Optical Image Stabilization; Hybrid IS
- Control Ring for Direct Setting Changes
- 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Weather-Sealed Construction
Conclusion from PhotographyBlog:
The Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is a superb macro lens boasting class-leading magnification, outstanding sharpness, impeccable build quality and a unique Spherical Aberration Control ring.
It delivers outstanding sharpness at both the centre and edges of the frame throughout most of its aperture range, even performing brilliantly when shooting wide-open at f/2.8.
There’s some vignetting which requires you to stop down by at least 2 f-stops to prevent it completely, but there’s little evidence of chromatic aberrations. Distortion is very well controlled even when shooting in the RAW format when the camera body doesn’t apply any automatic corrections.
The minimum focusing distance of 26cm with a maximum magnification of 1.4 provides greater than life-size reproduction, with the focus limiter switch helpfully speeding up auto-focusing at closer distances.
Considering that the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM lens is a dedicated macro lens, it offers quite fast and reliable auto-focusing in good light on the Canon EOS R6 camera that we tested it with, even in low-light conditions.
Manual focusing is enjoyable thanks to the generously sized focusing ring with its large throw, although we missed having the true ability to over-ride the autofocus system at any time.
As you’d expect from an L-series lens, the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM offers an outstanding level of build quality and dust and moisture resistance for added peace of mind.
It also benefits from a brand new feature, the Spherical Aberration Control ring, which changes the shape and softness of the bokeh. In practice we found it to be a little gimmicky, though, and perhaps better suited to life on a portrait rather than macro lens.
Compared to its EF DSLR predecessor, the new RF mirrorless version of the Canon 100mm Macro offers a closer working distance and greater magnification (1.4x vs 1x), faster auto-focusing, improved image stabilisation and even better build quality.
It is slightly bigger and heavier, though, and also quite a lot more expensive, but if you don’t already own the EF version, this is definitely the one to pair with your EOS R-series camera.
Overall, we’d definitely recommend purchasing the outstanding Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM if you’re even remotely interested in macro photography.
Both the Canon EOS R5 and the EOS R6 are super hot selling mirrorless cameras on the market. Canon EOS R5 in stock.
Join the Canon Camera Users Group to share your Canon photography. Ask and answer questions that arise and help each others!
Read more Canon Rumors and Canon News.