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 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Canon RF Mount
A versatile wide-angle prime with 0.5x macro — perfect for street, travel, and close-up photography on a budget.
$499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2018
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 2.4 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Wins
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has higher Max magnification (1.4 × vs 0.5 ×)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (305 g vs 730 g)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Length (63 mm vs 148 mm)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
The verdict
The $900 price gap between these lenses highlights the choice between a dedicated 1.4x magnification macro specialist and a compact 0.5x magnification 35mm prime.
Choose the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM if you require high-magnification detail and professional durability, as it offers 1.4x maximum magnification and a weather-sealed body. The Nano USM motor also provides faster focusing for macro subjects compared to the STM alternative.
Choose the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM if you prioritize a portable setup for various conditions, given its 305g weight and f/1.8 aperture. This lens provides 5 stops of optical stabilization in a significantly smaller 63mm length.
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
Max magnification
1.4 × vs 0.5 × — higher is better
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM supports it
Reasons to choose the RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Weight
305 g vs 730 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
63 mm vs 148 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
17 cm vs 26 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
74 mm vs 82 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
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 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Pros
- ✓Versatile 35mm focal length for street and travel
- ✓0.5x macro capability in a compact prime
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Affordable entry into RF primes
Cons
- –f/1.8 not as impressive as f/1.4 alternatives
- –Some distortion and vignetting wide open
- –Plastic build, no weather sealing
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.