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
Sony
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
Released within a month of each other.
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Wins
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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 0.17 ×)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM 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
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
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Max magnification
1.4 × vs 0.17 × — 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 778 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
82 mm vs 87 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
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
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
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
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.