Canon Macro L vs STM Lenses | Test Shots – R7

I put my lenses to the test the past couple nights and to be totally honest, I knew the L lenses have a better build quality of the lens, including being weather sealed being an added benefit in case shooting in even light rain or snow. Im a visual person, when I can see a difference and I like it.

So… I decided to look up the differences… and there is not only a visual difference, there is obviously, a build difference.

Canon’s RF Macro lineup is split into premium L-Series (USM) lenses and more affordable STM lenses. The Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM delivers true 1.4x magnification and flagship weather-sealing. The smaller STM options (like the RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM and RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM) offer half-macro 0.5x magnification and serve as budget-friendly walk-around primes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Differences

• Magnification: The RF L Macro goes beyond standard life-size, allowing for 1.4x magnification. STM macro lenses only reach 0.5x (or half-life-size) magnification. [1]
• Autofocus: The L lens utilizes rapid, silent Nano USM motors ideal for tracking moving subjects and video work. STM lenses are smooth but can be somewhat noisier and slower during continuous focus tracking. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• Build & Handling: The L lens features extensive weather-sealing and a dedicated SA (Spherical Aberration) control ring for customizing bokeh. STM lenses are significantly lighter and more compact but lack professional-grade environmental sealing. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• Cost: STM lenses are drastically more affordable, priced in the hundreds of dollars, while the RF L Macro sits in the premium, professional tier. [1]

STM lenses are universally praised on platforms like DPReview for their stellar image sharpness and lightweight form factor. Conversely, discussions on Reddit highlight the L-lens as the superior tool for dedicated studio macro work, clinical dentistry, or uses requiring extreme close-up detail. [1, 2, 3, 4]

{Sources Cited as found exactly online}

Here are a few of my favourites using the various lenses on the Canon R7.

These two above and below are from the same lens and I think my favs.

The lenses that I tested are: Canon RF 85mm f2.0, Canon EF 100mm f2.8L, Canon EF 180mm f3.5L, Canon RF 35mm f1.8 on the Canon R7. The R7 is a crop sensor camera, so any lens is at a X 1.6 for the actual focal length of the lenses on the R7.

My personal consensus… I love all of my macro lenses and looking at what I have I feel so grateful. My top favourite is my 180mm! On the R7 the reach is actually 288mm, this one I had my eye on for a long time hoping to find it and it came up used at Henry’s. There is no new lens like this and the glass is just fantastic!

Its honestly a toss up for the next 3, yes the 100mm being the L is definitely better quality and produces images aligned with that. It would be my next choice as its a lens that produces incredible bokeh. If I wanted a grab and go that’s light I would opt for the 85mm – what I like about the 35mm on my R6MII or RP (full frame) it creates a more wide angle, beautiful whimsy look. This lens is actually my favourite on the RP, I bought these two together a handful of years ago, as a wee step into the mirrorless world. At that time I had my 5DMIII as my primary and I wasn’t sure about the shift.

The RP + 35mm is a fantastic “point and shoot” grab and go. Event, wedding, off roading, and then even any macro I may come across – flowers are everywhere! The perfect size to throw in a purse – for me haha! My 100mm Ive had for a while and will always be a fav. The 100mm + 180mm works on mirrorless cameras with the EF to RF adapter – so in this sense, it does make for a longer lens (longer for travel/portability). My 85mm is my newest, I picked it up last year during their used inventory sale! Its a great lens, light and beautiful distance. For travel – weight is significant for me when Im carrying – I would opt for the 85 and/or 35. At home I choose whatever I feel drawn to. When we go camping or to the cottage, there have been times I bring quite a few ;)

I am so grateful for the collection I have built over the past 19 years… wow, that just set in. I bought my first DSLR when our son was 9 months old. Just before we found out I was pregnant with our daughter ;) Divine timing, I loved that camera and it taught me so very much! The Canon Rebel XTi. The majority of my EF L lenses Ive owned since around 2010-2012! Quality lasts!!!

Hope you have enjoyed my images – Please check out my album – can you see any differences?

Click the image below to view the album or Click HERE!