Head-to-head · Best Macro Lenses

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM (RF mount) vs Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S (Z mount)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM (RF mount) comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about Canon RF shooters who want the most capable macro lens for nature, product and portrait work — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Macro Lenses

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM (RF mount)

4.7

$1,149as of Jun 7

The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is the best macro lens overall for Canon RF shooters, pairing class-leading 1.4:1 magnification with reference-grade sharpness. Digital Camera World gave it 5 stars ('a stunning macro lens'), Amateur Photographer called it 'a sensational optic,' and OpticalLimits scored it 8.5/10. The price and the niche SA ring are the only real caveats.

Strengths

— Greater-than-life-size 1.4:1 maximum magnification
— Tack-sharp across the frame from f/2.8 on high-resolution bodies
— Up to 5 stops of in-lens IS, more with IBIS-equipped bodies

Watch-outs

— Expensive, like most L-series glass
— The SA control ring is a feature many will pay for but rarely use
— Slight focus shift (RSA) when stopping down at very close distances

$1,149 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Macro Lenses

Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S (Z mount)

4.6

$896.95as of Jun 7

The Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is the benchmark macro lens for the Z system, combining S-line sharpness, vibration reduction and a long working distance. Digital Camera World rated it 5 stars ('a stunner'), Cameralabs marked it Highly Recommended, and Amateur Photographer praised its 'excellent sharpness across the frame.' Its only real limitation versus the Canon and Sony flagships is that it stops at 1:1 magnification.

Strengths

— Very sharp across the frame, usable wide open with minimal aberrations
— Built-in VR stabilization (around 4.5 stops) aids handheld macro
— Long 105mm working distance keeps you back from skittish subjects

Watch-outs

— Maxes out at 1:1, not the 1.4:1 of the Canon and Sony flagships
— Premium price for the Z system
— No teleconverter support for greater-than-life-size magnification

$896.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM (RF mount)

The Canon RF 100mm matches the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS for class-leading 1.4:1 magnification, going beyond the strict 1:1 of the Nikon Z MC 105mm, Tamron 90mm and Sigma 105mm, and adds the SA control ring none of the others offer.

Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S (Z mount)

The Nikon Z MC 105mm offers a longer working distance than the Tamron 90mm and Sigma 105mm and adds in-lens VR they lack, but it stops at 1:1 where the Canon RF 100mm and Sony FE 100mm GM reach 1.4:1.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM (RF mount)	Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S (Z mount)
Mount	Canon RF	Nikon Z
Focal Length	100mm	105mm
Max Aperture	f/2.8	f/2.8
Max Magnification	1.4:1	1:1
Min Focus	0.26m	0.29m
Stabilization	Up to 5 stops IS	VR (~4.5 stops)
Filter Size	67mm	62mm
Weight	730g	630g

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