I want to get into macro photography for flowers, insects, and product shots. Which Canon macro lens offers the best image quality and working distance? I'm torn between the 100mm f/2.8L and 180mm f/3.5L. Is the extra reach worth the price difference, and how do they perform for handheld shooting?
Ok so, I am still pretty new to macro myself, but I am gonna have to politely disagree with the idea that you need the latest and greatest tech to start out. I am honestly a bit worried about the reliability of those really expensive lenses with all the extra electronic rings and features. When you are out in the weeds or in the mud looking for bugs, I feel like all that complexity is just one more thing that could break or glitch out on you. I think it is a better move to just look at the older professional series lenses from this brand. You basically cannot go wrong with their classic gear because:
For true macro work, the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is currently the only lens offering a true 1:1 (macro) ratio for the RF mount, and it's the best Canon macro lens based on performance and sharpness. The 1.4x magnification ratio exceeds the traditional 1:1 standard, allowing you to explore even finer details, and it offers up to 8 stops of image stabilization with ridiculously sharp results and a new bokeh control ring.
Yes, it's expensive, but if you're serious about macro photography, this is the gold standard. It's a top-of-the-range macro lens with exceptional build quality, impressive optical performance and innovative features, though its high price makes it suitable only for macro enthusiasts or demanding professionals.