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
Nikon
NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S — 105mm f/2.8 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$999
Launch priceReleased Jun 2021
NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is 2 months newer.
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Wins
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Wins
NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has higher Max magnification (1.4 × vs 1 ×)
- BNIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S has lower Weight (630 g vs 730 g)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Min focus distance (26 cm vs 29 cm)
- BNIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S has lower Length (140 mm vs 148 mm)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Diameter (82 mm vs 85 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to share
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
NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
⌀85 × 140 mm
630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz)
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 8mm longer and 3mm narrower than NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S.
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 100 g heavier than NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S.
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
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
Max magnification
1.4 × vs 1 × — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
26 cm vs 29 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
82 mm vs 85 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Weight
630 g vs 730 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
140 mm vs 148 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
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
NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
Pros
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Nikon Z mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.