Canon RF vs Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM Lens, Medium

Overview of the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is designed for versatility, particularly in portrait and macro photography. Priced at $589.00, it offers a bright f/2 aperture, making it well-suited for low-light environments. This lens features a maximum magnification of 0.5x, allowing for close-up shots at a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet. The lens is equipped with optical image stabilization, providing up to 5 stops of shake correction, which is particularly useful for handheld shooting. Its lightweight design and customizable control ring make it a practical choice for photographers on the go.

Overview of the Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens

In contrast, the Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens is a premium option priced at $1,248.95. This lens is notable for being the world’s first medium telephoto macro lens with a maximum magnification of 1.4x, allowing for more detailed close-up photography. It also features a fixed f/2.8 aperture, providing excellent low-light performance and depth of field control. The RF100mm lens includes an optical image stabilizer as well, with similar shake correction capabilities of up to 5 stops. Additionally, it has an SA (spherical aberration) control ring, enabling photographers to manipulate the bokeh quality in their images.

Image Quality and Performance

When it comes to image quality, both lenses excel but cater to slightly different needs. The RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM offers beautiful bokeh, thanks to its bright f/2 aperture, making it ideal for portrait work. The lens's optical image stabilization helps maintain sharpness, especially in low-light conditions. On the other hand, the RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens provides enhanced detail with its 1.4x magnification, allowing for closer shots without sacrificing image quality. The f/2.8 aperture offers slightly less light-gathering capability compared to the RF 85mm, but the trade-off allows for superior creative control over foreground and background bokeh.

Macro Capabilities

The macro capabilities of both lenses set them apart in this comparison. The RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM achieves a maximum magnification of 0.5x, which is sufficient for general macro photography. Its minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet allows you to capture detailed images of small subjects. Conversely, the RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens excels in this area with its 1.4x magnification, allowing for even closer detail while maintaining autofocus. This lens is particularly beneficial for photographers who specialize in intricate macro work, offering more versatility in capturing subjects like flowers or small insects.

Usability and Handling

Both lenses offer excellent usability, but their design and features cater to different preferences. The RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is lightweight and compact, making it an excellent travel companion for photographers who need to carry less weight. Its control ring allows for direct setting changes, facilitating a more intuitive shooting experience. In contrast, the RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens, while slightly heavier, provides advanced features like the SA control ring, offering greater creative flexibility when it comes to bokeh. This added complexity may appeal to seasoned photographers who appreciate the nuances of lens control.

Price and Value

The RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is priced at $589.00, making it approximately 53% cheaper than the RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens, which retails for $1,248.95. For those on a budget, the RF 85mm offers significant value without compromising on quality. However, the additional features and capabilities of the RF100mm lens may justify its higher price for serious photographers seeking advanced macro performance. Ultimately, the decision comes down to how much one is willing to invest for enhanced features versus the overall benefits of a more affordable option.

Ideal Use Cases

The RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is particularly well-suited for portrait photography, low-light scenarios, and general macro work, making it a versatile choice for various shooting situations. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for street photography and travel. Conversely, the RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens shines in dedicated macro photography, offering superior magnification and image quality for those who wish to explore intricate details in their subjects. Its additional features cater well to photographers focused on artistic control over their images, especially in macro and portrait settings.

Which should you buy?

In conclusion, the choice between the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM and the RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens largely depends on your specific photography needs and budget. If you're looking for a lightweight, affordable option that performs well in portraits and general macro photography, the RF 85mm is a fantastic choice at $589.00. However, if macro photography is your primary focus and you desire advanced features such as 1.4x magnification and enhanced control over bokeh, the RF100mm is worth the investment at $1,248.95. Ultimately, both lenses offer exceptional quality, so your decision should reflect your intended use and creative aspirations.