A new macro lens coming in the first half of 2025

[SwissFrank]

If the "macro design first" isn't tilt-shift, then I'm guessing it will simply be slightly higher magnification, using as many qualifications as necessary to make it a world first. Something like:

The world's first macro to deliver 2x magnification potential among autofocus lenses designed for a full-size sensor that incorporate two ground aspherical elements

 

[SwissFrank]

However, they continue to not make a 28L, I should have never mentioned I wanted one more than anything. Obviously they're not making one to spite me.

You were running Sigma 28/1.4 crazy sale prices at Adorama on and off. I finally pulled the trigger on that (thanks for keeping us informed!) and have been really happy with the lens. It may or may not resolve quite as well as my Canons*** but I wanted 28/1.4 images and it produces one every time I trip the shutter. The reason I got it was to take images that couldn't possibly have come from any other lens, and the specialness is unmistakeable even in thumbnails.

The only thing I'm unhappy about, per se, is that the barrel finish LOOKS like it'd be really easy to scratch and therefore I treat it with kid gloves. It might not actually need that much care, but since I'm worried about it, that means there's a few less times I'm willing to throw it in the bag.

You already want one so don't need my reasoning, but for anyone else wondering, I had the EF 24/1.4 and 35/1.4. I found the 24 just "way too wide" for most shots while the 35 was "too normal." 28mm always feels like I'm shooting wide-angle without getting to be just a special effect.

*** It's hard to judge because I use the 24-105/4 a lot and only even mount up the Sig if I want to shoot a bigger aperture than f/4. I have nothing else with this little DOF to really compare it with. It's possible it doesn't seem that sharp because most of the image is technically ACTUALLY out of focus in the exact way I hoped for when I bought the lens. It's also possible that even if the subject is slightly less sharp, that any other manufacturer's 28/1.4 would be comperable. But it may also be that I'm just letting preconceptions (I started shooting in the 90s when Sigma was generally poor) color my impressions.

 

[Nemorino]

I too once stated I'd never ever buy such a silly macro lens with a horrid focus shift. Yet other satisfied forum members decided me to give it a try, since I was anyway not entirely satisfied with the EF L version at infinity.
The RF is one of my best ever Canon lenses, I've never noticed any focus shift. This lens is criminally sharp at every aperture and distance.
My only regret is not having bought it earlier!
Rush to your Canon dealership and buy it!

100% agree
I made some tests on the "focus shift" issue:

Test: RF 100L macro f/2.8 on focus shift. I see NO issue!

There is a lot of talk about focus shift of the RF 100L macro. I have used the lens without any issues and have been wondering a long time what's that talk is about. So I have made four series of pictures with changing aperture. Subject is a dead hummingbird moth I found and which is pefect for...

www.canonrumors.com

 

[Loswr]

End-of-sale date or end-of-support date?

The end of service date for the TS-E 135/4L is listed as Nov 2027. The lens was formally discontinued in 2022, i.e. it was only sold for 5 years.

 

[scyrene]

They do get sharper stopped down maybe 2/3 stop or so when extenders are added, especially the 2x.

Lol I nearly added a caveat about extenders

 

[Del Paso]

100% agree
I made some tests on the "focus shift" issue:

Test: RF 100L macro f/2.8 on focus shift. I see NO issue!

There is a lot of talk about focus shift of the RF 100L macro. I have used the lens without any issues and have been wondering a long time what's that talk is about. So I have made four series of pictures with changing aperture. Subject is a dead hummingbird moth I found and which is pefect for...

www.canonrumors.com

YOU were the one who convinced me to test/buy this lens.
Thank you!

 

[scyrene]

Doesn't the RF100 macro on a APS-C sensor provide roughly the same working distance as the 180mm macro?

I thought the working distance was a property of the lens, irrespective of what sensor is behind it?

 

[Loswr]

I thought the working distance was a property of the lens, irrespective of what sensor is behind it?

True, but he means ‘working distance’ not in the technical sense but in the practical sense of how far away you need to be for the same framing, i.e., 1.6x further away with an APS-C sensor.

 

[Del Paso]

True, but he means ‘working distance’ not in the technical sense but in the practical sense of how far away you need to be for the same framing, i.e., 1.6x further away with an APS-C sensor.

An advantage which could be lost if Canon produce a high MP (80-100) FF body.
Cropping could be a valid substitute.

 

[joseph ferraro]

I might be in the minority here on working distances, as I prefer the shorter working distance of the MP-E 65mm which allows me a more intimate capture of the subject, and allows me to control the lighting as well. Yes it is limiting and yeah sometimes too close means you are not getting the shot, but when it works, it works beautifully. The MP-E stays on my R5 and my EF 100-400 on the 5D4 for all the larger subjects that are too far away.

If Canon made an internal focusing macro lens that could do 1-3x that would be fantastic for my usage or at least 2x. I could then possibly move away from using the MT-26ex since I would no longer need to have the flash move with magnification as the lens extends, but having the focusing light is always super helpful. If it could lock onto subjects with autofocus solidly in all the magnifications that would be awesome as well, even though I am used to manual rack focusing with my normal macro work, but hey this is a wish list of what I would like. I am using f10-f11 from 1x-3x since I am not stacking and having the bright 2.8 for focusing helps as it is now.

I have used the EF 180mm and own the sigma version of it, but never fell in love with it since I am used to lighting my subjects with my diffuser setup, and maybe just didn't give it enough time. I also use the ef 100mm IS USM when applicable, but the MP-E is my always go to lens for any macro work, and will continue to be as long as Canon keeps servicing it.

 

[fox40phil]

2:1 and >= 150mm

and TC compatible!

otherwise: hard pass

 

[David_E]

An RF 180 mm 1:1 would be quite acceptable. Extra distance for the skittish arthropods. And it should not be too expensive to build; the EF is superb and an all-new design should not be necessary. I have the RF 100 mm and I am pleased with it, but I frequently use my 180 with an adapter, which makes it heavier than it needs to be.

 

[P-visie]

This combination of lenses weighed maybe about the same as the 180/3.5 so I wouldn't say it was too heavy, nor was it too expensive.

Comparing the weight of the TS-E with the EF 180mm macro and possibly a new RF long macro is not correct:

• TS-E 90mm with a 2* extender has a 5.6 aperture (vs f3.5)
• No 1:1 magnification and
• No AF

The Tilt and shift mechanism adds significant weight and bulk, e.g. the TS-E 135 f4 L weighs 50% more and is 20% longer than the EF 135mm f2 L.

 

[Nemorino]

No 1:1 magnification

With a 2xTC You get 1:1 magnification

 

[Del Paso]

An RF 180 mm 1:1 would be quite acceptable. Extra distance for the skittish arthropods. And it should not be too expensive to build; the EF is superb and an all-new design should not be necessary. I have the RF 100 mm and I am pleased with it, but I frequently use my 180 with an adapter, which makes it heavier than it needs to be.

OK, but with an OIS, and, if possible, a bit less weight than its predecessor.

 

[koenkooi]

An RF 180 mm 1:1 would be quite acceptable. Extra distance for the skittish arthropods. And it should not be too expensive to build; […]

Let’s hope it is indeed inexpensive to build and that Canon keeps the margin low. Sadly the rumour implies a price tag above €2000

 

[P-visie]

With a 2xTC You get 1:1 magnification

No, not on the TS-E 90mm f2.8 (the non-L version released in 1991) to which SwissFrank was referring, this lens only has 0.29 magnification. So with the 2* TC the magnification would be 0.58.

See: https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/ef299.html

 

[Nemorino]

TS-E 90mm f2.8

Yes, You are correct, I had the TSE 90mm L macro in mind which has a 1:2 magnification.
I bought a used copy of the TSE 90mm and I am not happy with it's optical performance. Never would choose it for macro or close up (and I tested it with extension tubes).

 

[P-visie]

Yes, You are correct, I had the TSE 90mm L macro in mind which has a 1:2 magnification.
I bought a used copy of the TSE 90mm and I am not happy with it's optical performance. Never would choose it for macro or close up (and I tested it with extension tubes).

I have the same experience with the TS-E 90mm (non-L). I bought it, tried it for macro and found that the combination of manual focus and tilting did not work for photographing skittish butterflies and dragonflies in the field, and sold it.

 

[Nemorino]

Probably before focus peaking has been enabled in Canon bodies.
I posted some examples I shot with the TSE 90mm

New Autofocus RF mount tilt-shift lenses expected after next round of camera announcements

I do not think tilt/shift would work for that unless the butterfly would stay perfectly still. Try stopping down your aperture. TSE 90mm +R5 handheld @f/4 https://www.canonrumors.com/forum/threads/new-canon-tilt-shift-lenses-in-the-wild-cr2.42201/post-957753

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