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.

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The short answer

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM (RF mount) and Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S (Z mount) score essentially the same (4.8 vs 4.8). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #1 in Best Macro Lenses

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

4.8

4 sources2 derived$1,349as of Aug 2

Canon RF shooters looking for the best macro lens overall land on the RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, which pairs 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. Only the price and the niche SA ring count against it.

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

$1,349 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Macro Lenses

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

4.8

3 sources2 derived$896.95as of Aug 2

S-line sharpness, vibration reduction and a long working distance make the Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S the benchmark macro lens for the Z system. Digital Camera World rated it 5 stars ('a stunner'), Cameralabs marked it Highly Recommended, and Amateur Photographer praised its 'excellent sharpness across the frame.' Set against the Canon and Sony flagships, its one real limitation 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 →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

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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