EOS R8 and EF 100mm lens compatibility issue

[Onehappycamera]

New to the Canon Family

Hello everyone,

My name is Mel and I’m an amateur in the DLSR photography world. I have taken photos with a iPhone for a while, but I’d like to learn more and my family was very kind to get me a used Canon EOS R8 with a standard 24-50 lens. They also know that I have a keen interest in Macro photography, so they also got me a special used lens, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro 67mm… It was a very thoughtful gift but I quickly realized, these 2 are not compatible.

So, my questions are as follows: what camera body would be best for the Macro lens I have and/or what Macro lens is available (if any) for the R8? I apologize if these are stupid questions, but any help would be much appreciated.

#EOSR8

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

There are a few lenses with macro capability that are budget friendly.  

The lens I own and chose for macro photography was the RF100 f.2.8

While it is possible to adapt the EF version to your R series body, it would be best to buy the native RF Mount version of the lens.  No adapter is required.  Stick with RF Mount lenses for your mirrorless body.

[jrhoffman75]

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@Onehappycamera wrote:

New to the Canon Family

Hello everyone,

My name is Mel and I’m an amateur in the DLSR photography world. I have taken photos with a iPhone for a while, but I’d like to learn more and my family was very kind to get me a used Canon EOS R8 with a standard 24-50 lens. They also know that I have a keen interest in Macro photography, so they also got me a special used lens, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro 67mm… It was a very thoughtful gift but I quickly realized, these 2 are not compatible.

So, my questions are as follows: what camera body would be best for the Macro lens I have and/or what Macro lens is available (if any) for the R8? I apologize if these are stupid questions, but any help would be much appreciated.

#EOSR8

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If buying new the recommendation would be to purchase RF lenses. But you have a very good EF lens. The equivalent L series RF lens is $1200. If you go to sell yours you might get $300 or so; they are available for about $500 used. In this situation I would recommend the purchase of the Canon (get Canon, not third party) EF-RF adapter.

[shadowsports]

John,

Great recommendation.  👍

Mei,

The adapter is certainly an option if you want to go that route.  EF lenses are no longer being actively developed by Canon.  For someone who doesn't own a stable of EF lenses, we usually recommend buying RF instead.  All of these lenses will move forward with you, with this R series body and the next.  Some EF lenses do not offer the same level of performance as their RF counterparts.  I am not trying to dissuade you from purchasing older lenses.  In many shooting situations like yours for example, you are not going to see any big difference between the EF or RF model.  Where you might eventually see issues are in frame rates and video performance.  In these cases, EF lenses use a slower communication protocol that could influence performance in some situations.  Just something to keep in mind for future. In photography, lenses are your real investment.  If done well and right they will move forward with you.  Saving a little money now, can cost you a little bit more later.  Buying once versus buying twice.  Again, however, in this shooting situation, the EF 100 Is an exceptional lens and will work very well. adapted.  

[deebatman316]

Very true Rick. The other part of it is how long will Canon provide support for the EF Mount. As it has been discontinued from production.

[deebatman316]

The RF 100mm F/2.8L Macro IS USM lens will allow the camera to be used to its full potential. A lot of older EF lenses DO NOT fully support all features on the EOS R Series. Though older EF lenses can be adapted for use on the EOS R Series. Stick with the Canon brand mount EF-RF Mount adapters. 3rd Party Mount adapters are nothing but trouble. Most macro lenses don’t focus very quickly. If you do plan on using a Macro ring flash such as the Canon MR-14EX II or MT-26EX-RT the Macro Lite 67C adapter is required. For both the EF & RF versions of 100mm Macro lens. For the ring flash to properly attach to lens. Canon’s older ring flashes such as the original MR-14EX & MT-24EX ring flashes can also be used too. But since they’re older flash units they cannot interface with the camera menu. Leaving options grayed out or missing. Since these options cannot be controlled from the camera menu. Like the newer ring flashes and speedlites can be. The Same options that would be available in the camera’s external flash menu. Will be available on the Macro Ring Flashes’ LCD Screen itself.

 

[FloridaDrafter]

Hello, Mel, and welcome to the forum!

I own both the EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM and the RF version. I used the EF version adapted with the Canon EF to EOS R mount adapter on my R6 for several months before buying the RF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM. I did several comparisons between the two lenses and, although there was some very slight differences in image quality (IQ) and color rendering, to my eye, it wasn't enough to sway me in either direction. Both lenses are excellent in that respect.

Here is where the RF version has an advantage and why I don't regret buying it: I shoot some "staged" subjects from tripod, but also quite a bit hand held, like live insects. The RF can exchange data faster with the camera so auto focus (AF) is quicker, and it's quite noticeable, I'm not talking about tracking but AF itself locks on quicker. This does translate to tracking, but I don't use tracking when shooting macro hand held. The RF version also has .4 more magnification, 1:1 for the EF and 1.4:1 for the RF. This doesn't seem like a big deal, but gives you a cushion to at least get 1:1, or "true macro". I love that for hand held. Since it sits closer to the sensor, IQ is slightly better in general and particularly in the corners. I consider it to be the "mark II" of the 100mm f/2.8L IS USM series.

In summary, if funds are limited or the advantages I listed aren't important, the EF version will do just fine using the Canon EF to EOS R mount adapter. The plain one, without the control ring, will work and is the least expensive.

Newton

[March411]

Onehappycamera, that EF lenses will work great on you R8, I have several EF lenses that perform better on my R bodies then they did on my DSLR's. Save yourself some money and purchase the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R for $130.

While it is nice to own the native R lenses many of us still use EF because the lenses are still great on the R bodies. I found a inexpensive EF lens in outstanding shape I added it to my lens stable. I will continue to buy/use EF as long as the quality is nice and the price is right. Just be aware that lenses will move to out of service and you will need to use a local shop if repairs are required. I check the latest end of service report and the EF 100 macro was not on it. That would indicate you have some time. Since you already own the lens and it was a gift the adapter may be a good option.