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
Tamron
90mm F2.8 Di III MACRO
Sony E Mount
90mm F2.8 Di III MACRO — 90mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$649
Launch priceReleased Feb 2022
90mm F2.8 Di III MACRO is 10 months newer.
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Wins
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Wins
90mm F2.8 Di III MACRO
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- B90mm F2.8 Di III MACRO has lower Weight (500 g vs 730 g)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has higher Max magnification (1.4 × vs 1 ×)
- B90mm F2.8 Di III MACRO has lower Length (120 mm vs 148 mm)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Min focus distance (26 cm vs 28 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
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
1.4 × vs 1 × — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
26 cm vs 28 cm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the 90mm F2.8 Di III MACRO
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Weight
500 g vs 730 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
120 mm vs 148 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 82 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
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
90mm F2.8 Di III MACRO
Pros
- ✓Solid optical performance for the price tier
- ✓Native Sony E 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 90mm F2.8 Di III MACRO at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Tamron 90mm F2.8 Di III MACRO
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.