The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM was one of the most respected lenses in its DSLR line, offering top image quality, impressive image stabilization, and no-fuss autofocus, all at a very reasonable price that made it a top pick for wedding, macro, and portrait photographers. The new RF version promises a range of improvements and new features, and this excellent video review takes a look at if they are worth the price.
Coming to you from Katelyn James, this great video review takes a look at the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens, particularly in comparison to the venerated EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro lens. The RF version is a bit of a strange bird, offering improved magnification (1.4x versus 1x) and spherical aberration control, but coupled with a fair amount of focus breathing. Personally, while the additional magnification would be nifty, 1:1 magnification is already enough for everything I do, and my EF version has no issues keeping up with the resolution demands of the EOS R5 sensor; in addition, the autofocus is just as good (perhaps even better) with Canon's EF-RF adapter. Check out the video for James' full thoughts.
Not until they release a firmware update...
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=36282
Did you actually watch this video, Alex, before you tried to piggyback on Katelyn's work? I like Katelyn's channel but this is not one of her better videos. Her basic conclusion is that if you already own the EF 100 F2.8 L and only use it for portraits then there's not much benefit to buying the new version. It ignores macro use altogether and neither Katelyn or the dude that steps in to talk about the SA control seem to really appreciate what it does or try to experiment with it. None of this is to say that her conclusion isn't defensible for her use case but the video feels somewhat incomplete.
I recently bought the Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro, in EF mount, used, in perfect condition, for $250. After using it extensively, I cannot think of anything that either the Canon 100 EF or the Canon RF would or could do any better. So no, I cannot see how it could ever be worth it to "upgrade" to the new RF macro.
A review from a clean sheet perspective would be more useful than this. A good EF to RF adapter would cost more than the price difference if you didn't have the EF to begin with anyway.
Most Canon shooters have switched, therefore you can assume that most already own an adapter. If you already own an adapter because you use other EF lenses or plan to use in the future the comparison is valid.
In addition to that you can draw your own conclusions regarding the price based on your preferences. Such a detail isn't important in a review (especially since prices and availability differ around the world).
Did anyone at Fstoppers actually see this video before posting? The two reviewers never got their head around the one key buying issue for the RF 100. The main reviewer doesn’t want to touch the “technical” stuff -- it’s “boring.” The tech guy, when do does get into weight, image stabilization, price, minimal focal distance, says it all slow so we'll understand.
He does call out the key feature of this new RF lens -- the ring for controlling bokeh. He explains that it could be useful for those folks who do real macro work -- but never provides any bokeh shots of flowers or small creatures to show how this lens is different.
And since this review targets wedding photographers, the tech guy explains that there's no reason a wedding photog would care about that -- About adjusting the look of bokeh. Another wow. I’d imagine any smart bridal photographer would jump at the ability to experiment with the bokeh effect. To add a special softness to more intimate bride/groom moments.
Katelyn comes back. She still doesn’t care about technical stuff. She admits she can’t see any differences from the old EF so why upgrade.
The fact is, Canon’s control ring for bokeh is a real advancement in lens making. And these reviewers don't see it. They didn’t even offer one comparison wedding shot of the happy couple with the two 100mm lenses. Impressive.
I never heard anything about a bokeh adjustment ring until reading your comment. I don't know how useful that would be for true macro work, but I sure would be interested in something like that for the wildlife work I do at 500, 600, and 800 millimeters!