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 50mm F1.2L USM
Canon RF Mount
Flagship RF 50mm f/1.2 L prime with Ring USM, 15-element design, and weather-sealed L-series build.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Dec 2018
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 2.3 years newer.
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Wins
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Wins
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has higher Max magnification (1.4 × vs 0.19 ×)
- BRF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BRF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Min focus distance (26 cm vs 40 cm)
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 50mm F1.2L USM
⌀90 × 108 mm
950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 40mm longer and 8mm narrower than RF 50mm F1.2L USM.
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 220 g lighter than RF 50mm F1.2L 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
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Max magnification
1.4 × vs 0.19 × — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
26 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
730 g vs 950 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
82 mm vs 89.8 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 50mm F1.2L USM
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 148 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
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 50mm F1.2L USM
Pros
- ✓Stunning sharpness even wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Beautiful, smooth bokeh with 10 rounded aperture blades
- ✓Fast and accurate Dual Pixel AF with Ring USM
- ✓Weather-sealed L-series construction
Cons
- –Heavy for a 50mm prime (950g)
- –Premium price for a single focal length
- –No optical image stabilization
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and RF 50mm F1.2L USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.