Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM

The Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM is a professional‑grade macro lens built for Canon’s full‑frame mirrorless EOS R‑series cameras. It is part of Canon’s prestigious L‑series lineup, known for rugged construction, advanced optics, and exceptional image quality — making it an ideal choice for photographers who demand both precision and versatility.

At its core, this lens offers a 100mm focal length coupled with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, providing bright optics that perform well in a wide range of lighting conditions and deliver smooth background separation, even at closer focusing distances. The lens’s optical design consists of 17 elements in 13 groups, including high‑quality glass and advanced coatings that reduce chromatic aberrations, flare, and ghosting for crisp, high‑contrast results across the frame.

What truly sets this lens apart is its remarkable maximum magnification ratio of 1.4x, allowing subjects to be captured larger than life‑size on the sensor — beyond the traditional 1:1 macro standard. This capability makes it possible to photograph fine details of small subjects such as flowers, insects, textures, and product details with striking clarity and impact. The lens achieves this level of magnification while maintaining a minimum focusing distance of just 0.26 meters (10.2 inches), giving photographers enough working space for precise lighting and composition.

Autofocus performance on the RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM is powered by dual Nano USM (Ultrasonic Motors), delivering high‑speed, smooth, and virtually silent autofocus — especially useful for video work or quiet shooting environments. The lens’s internal focusing system ensures minimal focus breathing and consistent handling throughout the focus range.

The lens also incorporates image stabilization (IS) technology that can provide up to 5 stops of shake correction on its own. When paired with a Canon mirrorless camera equipped with In‑Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), the coordinated stabilization system can achieve up to 8 stops of combined shake reduction. Its Hybrid IS is particularly effective during close‑focus macro shooting, compensating for both angular and shift camera movements to help ensure sharper handheld results.

A notable creative feature is the Spherical Aberration (SA) Control Ring, which allows photographers to adjust the character of the out‑of‑focus areas (bokeh) and fine‑tune background and foreground rendering. This provides additional artistic control over the look of your images beyond what a standard macro lens typically offers.

In terms of design and build, the RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM features weather‑sealed construction, including rubberized seals at the mount, rings, and switch panels — enhancing reliability in challenging outdoor conditions. It also includes a fluorine coating on the front and rear elements that resists dirt and smudges for easier cleaning.

With its combination of exceptional macro magnification, bright optics, advanced stabilization, responsive autofocus, and creative control features, the Canon RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM stands out as a top‑tier lens for macro enthusiasts, nature photographers, product shooters, and anyone seeking beautifully rendered close‑up imagery with professional‑grade performance.