The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM has "world first" 1.4x AF magnification and Spherical Aberration control ring
(Image credit: Canon)
After months of leaks, the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM has finally been announced – and Canon claims that it's the "world first" autofocusing macro lens with 1.4x magnification.
On top of that, the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM has a dedicated "SA" control ring. We had previously speculated that this is a soft focus control ring, and indeed it is – the Spherical Aberration control enables photographers to "vary the look of the background and foreground bokeh, while allowing them to create a soft-focus effect on the subject."
While the focal length and aperture are the same as the Canon's ever-popular DSLR macro lens, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, the new RF version possesses some very welcome new tricks.
On top of the increased 1.4:1 reproduction ratio (which which records images larger than life-size), thanks to the short back focusing and floating lens system, and the Spherical Aberration control, the RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro possesses 5 stops of image stabilization – which is amplified to 8 stops when used with the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 (while the stabilization is CIPA-rated, this performance will differ in macro mode).
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(Image credit: Canon)
(Image credit: Canon)
(Image credit: Canon)
(Image credit: Canon)
In addition, the SA control becomes a fascinating creative tool when shooting portraits. Beyond its headline macro features, the lens' 100mm focal length and fast f/2.8 aperture is ideal for portraiture – enabling you flatter features and create subject separation, while also adding soft focus that can be kinder to skin than an otherwise clinically sharp lens.
The optic boasts Dual Nano USM for quick, smooth and near-silent autofocus. On top of that, focus breathing is well suppressed – something that's ideal for filming video, and is also invaluable for focus stacking still images in post.
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The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM goes on sale in July with a retail price of $1,399.00 / £1,479.99 / AU$2,599.
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.
