Canon
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon RF Mount
Canon's first RF macro with 1.4x magnification and spherical aberration control for stunning close-up detail.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Apr 2021
Canon
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
The ultimate walk-around RF zoom — covers wide to portrait with 5-stop IS in a single versatile package.
$1,099
Launch priceReleased Oct 2018
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 2.5 years newer.
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Wins
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Wins
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has higher Max magnification (1.4 × vs 0.24 ×)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Min focus distance (26 cm vs 45 cm)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- BRF 24-105mm F4L IS USM has lower Length (107 mm vs 148 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
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RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
⌀82 × 148 mm
730 g (1.61 lb / 25.75 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
⌀84 × 107 mm
700 g (1.54 lb / 24.69 oz)
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 41mm longer and 2mm narrower than RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM.
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 30 g heavier than RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
- ✓
Max magnification
1.4 × vs 0.24 × — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
26 cm vs 45 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
82 mm vs 84 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Length
107 mm vs 148 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
700 g vs 730 g — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Pros
- ✓1.4x maximum magnification (industry-leading for macro)
- ✓Spherical Aberration Control for adjustable bokeh
- ✓5-stop Hybrid IS for handheld macro
- ✓Doubles as a sharp 100mm portrait lens
Cons
- –Complex SA control ring adds learning curve
- –Heavy for macro work (730g)
- –Premium macro pricing
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Extremely versatile 24-105mm range for travel and events
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Constant f/4 aperture throughout zoom
- ✓Nano USM delivers fast, quiet autofocus
Cons
- –f/4 maximum aperture limits low-light capability
- –Heavier than f/2.8 alternatives (700g)
- –Corner sharpness softens at 105mm wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.