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."
• Read more: Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM review
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).
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.
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.
Pre-order the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM from Adorama (US)
Pre-order the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM from B&H (US)
Pre-order the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM from Park (UK)
Pre-order the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM from Wex (UK)
Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM specs
• World's first AF macro lens with 1.4x magnification (1.4:1) capability
• A variable Spherical Aberration Control ring can be used to adjust the subject softness and look of the bokeh
• 9-blade circular aperture
• Up to 5-stops optical IS (CIPA standard, using an EOS R) and up to 8-stops Combined IS using EOS R5 / EOS R6
• Dual Nano USM motors for smooth and fast AF
Read more:
Canon EOS R5 review
Canon EOS R6 review
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM
Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM
