The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM and the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art are both short telephoto macro lenses with an f/2.8 aperture. The key question is mount and maker: the Canon is a native RF lens, while the Sigma is a third party design made for mirrorless mounts such as Sony E and L. Check Sigma’s page to see which mounts are offered before you plan around it.
What These Lenses Are For
Both lenses serve close-up work like flowers, insects, coins, and small products, and both double as portrait lenses thanks to the 100mm class focal length. The long working distance lets you light a subject easily and avoids scaring living subjects.
Key Differences
| Trait | Canon RF 100mm Macro | Sigma 105mm DG DN Macro Art |
|---|---|---|
| Maker type | Camera maker | Third party |
| Mount | Canon RF | Check maker, mirrorless mounts |
| Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Focal length | 100mm | 105mm |
| Product line | L series | Art series |
The practical split is about the camera you use. A native lens usually offers the fullest feature support with a given body, including autofocus modes and stabilization coordination. A third party lens may offer different strengths in design and handling, with some features varying by body. Because mount availability changes, look at the maker’s current mount list rather than assuming.
A Simple Decision Process
- Confirm that the lens is offered in your camera’s mount. If it is not, the decision is made.
- List the features you rely on, such as in-lens stabilization or a focus limiter, and check each lens’s page for them.
- Think about the rest of your kit. Using one maker across lenses can keep filter sizes and handling consistent.
- Consider portrait use too. If the lens will double as a portrait lens, look at the look of its out-of-focus areas in sample images from the makers.
Macro Habits That Help
- Use a tripod or a macro focusing rail for precise framing.
- Try apertures near f/8 as a general baseline range for depth of field, and adjust to taste.
- Wipe the front element carefully, since close work shows every speck.
Also consider long term support. Native lenses follow the maker’s own firmware and body updates, while third party lenses have their own update routes, often through a dock or a software tool. Check how each maker handles updates so that your lens keeps working smoothly as your camera body changes over time.
FAQ
Can I use the Sigma on a Canon RF body?
Check Sigma’s mount list and Canon’s rules for third party lenses, since support depends on the exact mount and camera.
Is a third party macro lens worth considering?
It can be, provided it is offered for your mount and has the features you need.
The Short Version
Choose the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM if you shoot Canon RF and want a native lens. Choose the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art if it is offered for your mount and its features suit you. We have not used either lens ourselves.
