The RF mount is obviously missing macro offerings, but I expect that to change in 2021. Here we have an interesting patent for a macro optical formula uncovered by Canon News.
An RF 100mm f/2 IS STM would definitely be a welcomed and cost conscience lens for RF mount shooters. If this does become a consumer product, it'll be very interesting to see what they do with an RF L Macro.
Canon RF 100mm f/2 IS STM | |
Focal Length | 99.80mm |
F Number | 2.06 |
Half Angle of View | 12.23° |
Image Height | 21.64mm |
Lens Length | 118.38mm |
Back Focus | 21.99mm |
Canon RF 70mm f/2 IS STM Macro | |
Focal Length | 70.50mm |
F Number | 2.06 |
Half Angle of View | 17.06° |
Image Height | 21.64mm |
Lens Length | 94.86mm |
Back Focus | 17.89mm |
If IQ matches or exceed the RF85 non-L, and assuming similar pricing, then I would be most interested in this 100 F2.
The trouble is if the developments are not in areas we specifically want we might feel there aren’t any...
I have used my EF 100mm macro for portraits, but I didn’t care for the look. So I bought a refurbed 85mm f/1.8 when it was on sale. I doubt the usefulness of f/2 for actual macro shots, maybe if you are chasing around insects in dim light and going for an artsy one eye in focus look.
Hopefully the RF 100 macro - if it comes to the market - is well suited for video work ...
1:2 2:1macro patent posted a while back.I bought 2 lenses for "universal" usage, EF 100L and Zeiss 50mm f2, both are excellent macros, but only just good for landscapes (center dead sharp, sides and mostly corners OK...).
So, I learnt my lesson, either use them for macros or portraits, or replace them with the unfortunately manual-only Leica Apo Macro Elmarit 2,8/100, superb at macro and landscapes.
But I'm hoping the RF 100mm f2 could be the solution...chances are good!
While I understand that 85 and 100 are similar in perspective I like the 50 - 100 - 200 - 400mm series because of sheer beauty :)
For real macro @ 1:1 I have re-established my EF-S 60 macro with my M50 which gives 1.6 : 1 macro if you compare it with a 1:1 macro in FF sensor land and I really enjoy it sometimes. I bought this lens in 2005 with the EOS 20D (that lens was the reason to buy a digital ILC system) and it is good enough for a 24 MPix sensor - until physics manages IQ via diffraction.
But one thing I remember during writing: The EF 2.0 100 @ f/4 is tack sharp, contrasty lens which reproduces textures etc very very well. Maybe I should investigate both lenses with my EOS RP in the next future to support any future decisions about 100mm lenses for the RF mount. Until that I have to choose from two lenses and have to go without IS ...
About the chances to make a much better compromise with a hypothetical RF 100 F2 IS macro: I agree, now we have new glass types, new methods of producing e.g. aspherical shapes an more freedom to place the lens elements (closer to the sensor e.g.) and maybe some additional tools to move more groups of lenses to optimize the system to a very low "degree of compromise"!
Maybe this RF 100mm is going to be to the RF 85mm as the EF 100mm is to the EF 85mm...