New EOS R7 User hunting for the best macro lens

[LoveWeims]

I have a new Canon EOS R7 and I love macro photography.  Although tempted by the lower price of the RF35MM F1,8 IS Macro STM lens, I am not sure I want to be THAT close to my subjects.  I am looking at the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro and wondering if it is the preferred mid-range (haha) lens.  Please note I am also learning about the many ways the settings can screw up the focus but that's a whole other issue assuming this higher priced lens is actually a good one.

[kvbarkley]

What are your subjects?

Not made any more, but the EF-S 60mm macro was a good compromise, and may be found used.

[LoveWeims]

Dragonflies, interesting bugs, and other small nonslithery creatures

[kvbarkley]

Taken with my EF-S 60mm macro

[LoveWeims]

Great shot!  I am buying Rf lenses however

[p4pictures]

Another lens to consider is the RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens. It only does 1/2 life-size, so a subject that is 72mm x 48mm will fill the frame. It is great value as it is around half the price of the RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM lens.

RF85mm F2 Macro US STM 

[LoveWeims]

Thank u.  I will check it out.  Definitely liking the price point 

[FloridaDrafter · Accepted solution]

Food for thought: You can get great closeups with just about any lens, but there is more to a dedicated macro lens than getting close. Canon, and others for that mater, use the term "macro" rather loosely and generally just refers to having a short MFD. Just because it has "Macro" printed on the barrel doesn't mean that it has all the characteristics of a true macro lens. True macro lenses are designed to different standards so they are typically more expensive, the most obvious being 1:1 magnification at MFD, others being internals designed to reduce various distortions when focusing close. Lens profiles can take care of some of the distortion in non-macro lenses, but IMO anything you don't have to do in post is a bonus.

To answer your question, yes, the RF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM is as good as it gets for macro/closeups and currently on sale from Canon at $999 U.S.D. I've been using the 100mm versions, EF and RF, for a very long time. I've used various macro FL's over the years and the 100mm fits my use the best, both hand held run n gun and posed subjects from tripod, including focus stacking.

I have posted lots of examples in the "Share Your Photos" section of this forum. If you buy this lens, it will be with you a long time 🙂

Newton

[LoveWeims]

Thank you.  I have decoded after listening to a number of YouTubes this 100mm is what will suit me best.  I want to do wildlife photography (birds esp) so my next quest is the best 800mm (fixed or tele) but i love bugs and other tiny life forms almost as much

[FloridaDrafter]

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@LoveWeims wrote:

Thank you.  I have decoded after listening to a number of YouTubes this 100mm is what will suit me best.  I want to do wildlife photography (birds esp) so my next quest is the best 800mm (fixed or tele) but i love bugs and other tiny life forms almost as much

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You are welcome! I think you will like this lens as much as I do. I've been using it for 3 years now on the R5, 6 and 6 II and it's been a great addition which I had no doubts about since I've used the EF version for many years. You may or may not have a use for the Spherical Aberration ring (SA), but it's there if you want it. I've played with it but haven't found a use in my type of macro 🙂

Newton