APS-C Macro Lens Thoughts. R100 and RF-100mm

[timm]

I have an R100 APS-C Crop Sensor camera and have been looking at options for a lens with macro capability. My interests are mostly landscapes and wildlife, and the macro aspect interests me because it provides a way to get better photos of some of the smaller things in our outdoor world.

When I look at other RF series lenses, NOT RF-S lenses, you apply a crop factor of 1.6 to get the equivalent focal length. For example, I have an RF-28mm prime lens, which gives me pretty much a "nifty 50" 28mm X 1.6 = 44.8 mm. If I were to get the often-praised Canon RF-100mm macro lens, that would be effectively a 160mm lens on my camera.

Is anyone using this R100/RF-100mm macro combination? How do you like it? What sort of photos do you typically shoot? I'm concerned that 160mm may put me physically too far from my subject.

Would it be better to consider the RF-85mm Macro lens for my particular camera?

Tim

 

[Woodbadger]

I have an R100 APS-C Crop Sensor camera and have been looking at options for a lens with macro capability. My interests are mostly landscapes and wildlife, and the macro aspect interests me because it provides a way to get better photos of some of the smaller things in our outdoor world.

When I look at other RF series lenses, NOT RF-S lenses, you apply a crop factor of 1.6 to get the equivalent focal length. For example, I have an RF-28mm prime lens, which gives me pretty much a "nifty 50" 28mm X 1.6 = 44.8 mm. If I were to get the often-praised Canon RF-100mm macro lens, that would be effectively a 160mm lens on my camera.

Is anyone using this R100/RF-100mm macro combination? How do you like it? What sort of photos do you typically shoot? I'm concerned that 160mm may put me physically too far from my subject.

Would it be better to consider the RF-85mm Macro lens for my particular camera?

Tim

I would recommend you download and read Mark Overmars ebook on his macro photography journey. He covers specifically using the R7 but as it is also APS-C his advice should apply.
You can find it at

Book | Natuurfotografie

Download the free PDF book "My Journey into Insect Photography", written by Mark Overmars. The book teaches you all you need to know to take stunning insect shots.

www.insectphotography.org

 

[timm]

I would recommend you download and read Mark Overmars ebook on his macro photography journey. He covers specifically using the R7 but as it is also APS-C his advice should apply.
You can find it at

Book | Natuurfotografie

Download the free PDF book "My Journey into Insect Photography", written by Mark Overmars. The book teaches you all you need to know to take stunning insect shots.

www.insectphotography.org

Thank you, Ian! This looks wonderful.

Tim

 

[TwoWheeler]

FWIW, I have the 85 (on an R5) and am quite happy with it. I’ve rented the 100 several times to “road test” it and while it is a very nice lens and there’s “something” about it, I haven’t been able to justify cost difference. I’ll probably end up with it some day, if I find a killer deal.

The “160” focal length would be handy for things that crawl/fly/slither away if you get too close, but if you’re shooting inanimate objects like mushrooms, that’s not a factor.

Probably the best way would be for you to rent both, try them out and see what fits what you do.