If this CR1 rumour ends up being true, one has to applaud Canon for their innovation. A Canon RF 100mm f/2 IS USM would fill a huge range of purposes for certain photographers (myself included). As several posters have already pointed out, it could make a great portrait lens.
I owned the Canon EF 100mm USM (non L / non-IS) for some years … I was particularly glad with the macro images I got from this lens. However sometime after its release, I upgraded to the newer Canon EF 100mm macro. The main reasons were:
- Improved AF – for non macro work in particular (the non L AF is often not accurate at longer working distances, so it made it much less useful as a portrait / candid event lens)
- IS helps for certain handheld photos (at around 2:1 in particular.. the closer one gets to 1:1 – the more stability of subject and absolutely no camera movement is important)
- Better build quality
A RF 100mm f/2 macro would indeed be larger and likely cost notably more than the EF 100mm IS L. (I bought my EF 100mm IS L second hand but in as new condition, and I tested it prior to purchase).
The EF 100mm L IS macro’s AF is far superior to the non L’s AF – particularly in the non-macro working range. AF is superior in terms of accuracy, consistency and speed. I expect any RF 100mm to continue or even be better still (due to being optimised for DPAF, etc).
While nature photography is my primary photographic passion, I regularly get asked to take photos at events (celebrations and/or parties, church events, camps, occasions).
When I do ‘event’ photography, I use a combination of the EF 100mm IS L on one body, and another lens on another body (whether that be a zoom lens, the 24mm f/2.8 or a 50mm) to cover multiple perspectives / composition possibilities.
A RF 100mm f/2 would be ideal for this purpose (provided its AF and rendering are good). The EF 100mm f/2.8 L lens’s rendering is really great. I also find I am able to hand-hold it all day.
Having said that, I was thinking / expecting that the one lens I might NOT upgrade to is the EF 100mm IS L, but to use that with the RF-EF mount adapter. I have even used my 100mm f/2.8 IS L on my M5 with the EF-M/EF adapter quite well (though it is not comfortable hand-holding for me over extended periods).
So, would I buy the RF 100mm f/2?
It depends what other RF lenses Canon will be announcing and releasing. If the rumoured 70-135mm f/2 becomes reality, that would be a dream portrait zoom.. especially if bokeh, rendering and AF are great (which I expect they would be).
I own the EF 70-300mm L – but could see myself upgrading to the RF 100-500mm in time. I don’t need large apertures at focal lengths longer than around 100mm for my photography.
The difference in bokeh / background blur from f/2.8 to f/2 (at 100mm, as well as some other focal lengths close to it) is significant. Having said that, if the RF 100mm f/2 is unjustifiably expensive, I imagine that I will stick with the EF 100mm L macro and an adapter, as it is a great lens.
These are great and exciting times to be a photographer (from a technical / gear perspective). Somewhat limited by the current COVID-19 pandemic and associated isolation factors. But that too will pass.
I look forward to seeing what the future will be… a R5 is currently in my sights.
Regards
PJ