p.1 #1 · Advice on adding a macro lens to my portrait/event kit should I go for the RF 100mm or something more versatile?
Hey fellow Canon shooters! I've been building out my kit for portraits and events over the past few years, focusing on affordable options that pack a punch without draining the wallet.
Right now, I'm rocking a solid setup with my EOS R6 Mark III, but I'm thinking about adding a macro lens for those close-up details at weddings or events like rings, flowers, or intricate decor. Would the RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM be overkill, or should I consider a cheaper alternative like the RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro? What are your experiences with macro in event scenarios?
To visualize my current kit, I used this awesome site called lenskitpicker.com it has these really great visuals that help you see your lens coverage at a glance, like focal length overlaps and gaps. Super helpful for planning upgrades!
Here's my kit: https://lenskitpicker.com/kit/c5d8ae. I've attached some screenshots of the viz and UI below check out how it diagrams everything so clearly. Would love community input before I pull the trigger!
p.1 #2 · Advice on adding a macro lens to my portrait/event kit should I go for the RF 100mm or something more versatile?
The 100mm macro would do well for what you are needing. I have shot a couple of weddings and back when I did I had the 100mm. The 1:1 capabilities give a wider range of options for framing and working distance than the 35 1.8 would. That being said, from a focal length perspective it doesnt help your kit much. If you think you would use the 35 prime on a second body or you enjoy 35mm, then that would be a great option for you. If that FL is served by your other lenses and you dont think you would use it aside from a macro option, I would probably go 100mm and go EF to save some funds since you are already using an adapter.
p.1 #3 · Advice on adding a macro lens to my portrait/event kit should I go for the RF 100mm or something more versatile?
r8isGreat wrote:
I'm thinking about adding a macro lens for those close-up details at weddings or events like rings, flowers, or intricate decor. Would the RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM be overkill, or should I consider a cheaper alternative like the RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro?
The RF 35mm f/1.8 is an awesome lens, but I think for close subjects, a longer focal length is generally preferred. The various 100mm macro lenses are fine, but rather specialized, and are slower than other available portrait primes.
If you don't already have another fast portrait prime, then the RF 85mm f/2.0 IS STM Macro would be a great addition to a budget kit for weddings, portraits and events. It is sharp, has great character, and a useful half-life size macro capability, meaning it can do double-duty in your kit.
For general shooting, it has a focus limiter switch to limit hunting, but when you need detail shots of the rings or other close ups, you don't need to pull out a separate macro lens. It is also stabilized, which helps if using a camera without IBIS (like my EOS R8).
One caveat with this lens is that the front-focusing design and STM motors means that focusing is a bit more leisurely than with Canon's other 85mm lenses--but again, the focus limiter switch helps. You also may see a bit more color fringing wide open than with the 100mm macro, but this can be eliminated by stopping down a bit, which is usually desirable for close ups anyway.
For the money it is a great value, IMO. You can often source refurbished models direct from Canon at a good discount.
Here are a couple of relevant videos from one of the content creators I respect. There are useful comparisons here backed up with solid image examples. There is a discussion of macro shooting at about the 7:50 mark in the first video:
