Canon 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USm Instructions

Canon 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USm Instructions

Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.

Canon RF100mm F2.8 L MACRO IS USM is a macro lens for use with EOS R series cameras.

  • “IS” stands for Image Stabilizer.
  • “USM” stands for Ultrasonic Motor.

Camera Firmware
Please use the latest version of firmware with the camera in use. For details on whether the firmware is the latest version or not, and for details on updating the firmware, please check the Canon website.

Conventions used in these instructions

Warning to prevent lens or camera malfunction or damage.
Supplementary notes on using the lens and taking pictures.

Safety Precautions

Precautions to ensure that the camera is used safely. Read these precautions thoroughly. Make sure all details are observed in order to prevent risks and injury to the user and other people.

Warning Details pertaining to risks that may result in death or serious injury.

  • Do not look directly at the sun or other strong light sources through a lens. This may result in loss of sight.
  • Do not leave a lens in the sun without the lens cap attached. The lens may concentrate entering sunlight and cause a malfunction or fire.

Caution Details pertaining to risks that may result in injury or damage to other objects.

  • Do not leave the product in places exposed to extremely high or low temperatures. The product may cause burns or injury when touched.

General Precautions

Handling Precautions

  • Do not leave the product in excessive heat such as in a car in direct sunlight. High temperatures can cause the product to malfunction.
  • If the lens is taken from a cold environment into a warm one, condensation may develop on the lens surface and internal parts. To prevent condensation in this case, first put the lens into an airtight plastic bag before taking it from a cold to warm environment. Then take out the lens after it has warmed gradually. Do the same when taking the lens from a warm environment into a cold one.
  • The lens interior may appear to waver, but this does not indicate a defect or failure, and will not cause any problems in use.
  • In order to optimize aperture control, there are occasions in which the aperture blades will move during focusing, even when the aperture value is set for aperture-priority AE or manual exposure, etc.
  • Please also read any lens related handling precautions listed in your camera’s instruction manual.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the instructions. If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
  • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
  • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
  • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Nomenclature

1. Attaching and Detaching the Lens

Attaching the Lens
Align the lens mount indexes of the lens and camera, and turn the lens clockwise until you hear a click.

Detaching the Lens
Turn the lens counterclockwise while pressing the camera’s lens release button. Detach the lens once it has stopped turning.

Please refer to the camera’s instructions for details.

  •  Set the camera’s power switch to OFF when attaching or detaching the lens.
  • Attach the lens cap before detaching the lens from the camera.
  • After detaching the lens, place the lens with the rear end up and attach the dust cap to prevent the lens surface and contacts from getting scratched. Make sure the lens and dust cap mount indexes are aligned when attaching the dust cap.
  • Contacts that are scratched, soiled, or have fingerprints on them may result in faulty connections or corrosion, which may lead to malfunctions. If the contacts get soiled, clean them with a soft cloth.
  • The lens mount has a rubber ring to improve dust-resistance and water-resistance performance. This rubber ring may cause friction marks to appear around the camera’s lens mount, although this will have no effect on usage.
  • Rubber rings can be replaced at Canon Service Center. (chargeable)

2. Setting the Focus Mode

Focus mode switch To shoot in autofocus (AF) mode, set the focus mode switch to AF. To use only manual focusing (MF), set the focus mode switch to MF, and focus by turning the focusing ring.

  • Quickly turning the focusing ring may result in delayed focus.
  •  The lens’ focusing ring is electronic.
  • When AF operation is set to [ONE SHOT], manual focus is possible after autofocusing has been completed by continuing to press the shutter button halfway. (Full-time manual focus) However, the camera settings need to be changed. Please refer to the camera’s instructions for details.

3. Setting the Focusing Distance Range

Focusing distance range selector switch You can set the focusing distance range with a switch. Setting the focusing distance range prevents the lens from focusing on unintentional subjects at different distances.

Focusing distance range

  1. FULL (0.26 m/0.86 ft. – )
  2. 0.5 m/1.64 ft. –
  3. 0.26 m – 0.5 m/0.86 ft. – 1.64 ft.

4. Control Ring

The control ring can be assigned the functions that are commonly used with cameras, such as shutter speed and aperture settings.


The click action of the control ring allows you to have a sense of how much it is being turned. Please refer to the camera’s instructions for details on how to use the control ring.

  •  There are cases in which the sound of control ring operations may be recorded when shooting movies.
  • The clicking sensation of the control ring can be removed by the Canon Service Center. (chargeable)

5. SA Control Ring

The SA control ring can be used to adjust bokeh style (background blur) and get a soft focus effect (where the subject is made to look softer).

  • SA stands for Spherical Aberration.

Using the SA Control Ring


1 Slide the SA control ring lock switch in the direction indicated by the arrow.


2 Turn the SA control ring from the central position towards either the + or – direction.

  • Turning the SA control ring in the + direction will soften the bokeh outlines in front of the focus point, and strengthen the bokeh outlines behind the focus point.
  • Turning the SA control ring in the – direction will soften the bokeh outlines behind the focus point, and strengthen the bokeh outlines in front of the focus point.

 

  • When not using the SA control ring, return it to the central position (where it clicks) then slide the SA control ring lock switch to the LOCK position.
  • Using the SA control ring will change the angle of view and the exposure. So, after using the SA control ring, you will need to adjust your composition.
  • The SA control ring effect will differ depending on what you are shooting (focusing distance, distances between subject and background or foreground, etc.). The effect increases as the focusing distance gets shorter than infinity (), and is at its maximum at 0.50 m/1.64 ft. The effect diminishes as you get closer than 0.50 m/1.64 ft., and vanishes at 0.26 m/0.86 ft.
  • The SA control ring effect will change according to aperture setting. The lower the f/number (larger aperture hole), the greater the effect, reaching its maximum when the lens is wide open. Conversely, the higher the f/number (smaller aperture hole), the less the effect. For that reason, shooting in aperture-priority AE mode is recommended.
  • Quickly turning the SA control ring may result in delayed focus. z Autofocus (AF) can be used when the SA control ring is being used, but focus may be hard to achieve with
    certain subjects. If that happens, switch to manual focus (MF). Note that you may have to manually adjust focus by enlarging the image, as the guide frame for the focus guide may not display properly. z Some subjects may cause focus to be lost when the SA control ring is used. If that happens, refocus the subject.
  • This lens reaches its maximum resolving power when the SA control ring is in the central position.

6. Image Stabilizer

This function provides image stabilization appropriate for shooting conditions (such as shooting still subjects, panning shots, and closeup (macro) shooting).

Set the image stabilizer switch to ON when you want to use the Image Stabilizer.

  • Set the image stabilizer switch to OFF when you are not going to use the Image Stabilizer.
  •  The shorter the focusing distance is, the less the image stabilizer effect.
  • The Image Stabilizer cannot compensate for a blurred shot caused by a subject that moved.
  • The Image Stabilizer may not be fully effective if you shoot from a violently shaking vehicle or other transportation.
  • When using a tripod, it is recommended that you set the image stabilizer switch to OFF.
  • Even with a monopod, the Image Stabilizer will be as effective as during hand-held shooting. However, depending on the shooting conditions, there are cases in which the Image Stabilizer effect may be less effective.
  • When shooting a still subject, it compensates for camera shake in all directions.
  • It compensates for vertical camera shake during panning shots in a horizontal direction, and compensates for horizontal camera shake during panning shots in a vertical direction.

The Image Stabilizer for this lens is suited to hand-held shots in the following conditions.

 

  • Panning shots of vehicles, trains, etc.
  • In semi-darkened areas such as indoors or outdoors at night.
  • In locations where the flash cannot be used, such as art museums and theater stages.
  • In situations where your footing is uncertain.
  • In situations where fast shutter speed settings cannot be used.

7. Hand-held Close-up (Macro) Shooting

This lens allows users to focus from infinity to a magnification of 1.4x for close-up (macro) shooting.

Hold the camera steadily
Hold the camera steadily as shown in the illustration on the right when taking hand-held close-ups (macro), and shoot carefully to minimize camera shake and prevent focus blurring.

Taking photographs using servo AF
It is recommended that the camera AF operation is set to [Servo AF] when taking close-up (macro) shots. Refer to the camera’s instructions for further details.

  • It is necessary to be careful with the following during close-up (macro) shooting.
    • Camera shake creates more impact than on normal shots, and the effects of the image stabilizing function are reduced.
    • Depth of field becomes extremely shallow when taking close-up (macros) shots, and the focus may blur if the camera is moved forward or backward.
  • The minimum focusing distance (minimum distance between the subject and the imaging area) is 0.26 m / 0.86 ft. The working distance (distance between the front end of the lens and the subject) is 8.6 cm / 0.28 ft.


Place both elbows on a steady surface such as a table.

Use your knee to support the elbow of the arm holding the camera or lens.

Lean against a steady object like a wall to support your body and arm.

8. Exposure When Taking Close-up (Macro) Shots

Setting the Exposure
When taking photographs using TTL metering, no exposure compensation is necessary because the light coming through the lens is measured. With TTL metering, photographing with AE (auto exposure) is possible at all focusing distances. Just select the desired picture-taking mode, then check the shutter speed and aperture before taking a picture.

Magnification and Effective f-number
The aperture displayed on the camera assumes that the focus is set to infinity (). The actual aperture (effective f-number) becomes darker (effective f-number increases) at closer focusing distances (magnification increases). This has almost no influence on the exposure for normal picture taking. However, for close-up (macro) shooting, the change in the effective f-number is more than negligible.

When deciding the exposure using a hand-held exposure meter, apply the following exposure factor.

* Upper values: 1/3 stops. Lower values: 1/2 stops.

  • Conditions of the subject are very important when deciding on the correct level of exposure for close-up (macro) shooting. It is therefore recommended that you change the exposure level as much as possible during shooting, or that you take pictures while checking the images on the camera’s LCD monitor.
  • During close-up (macro) shooting, it is recommended that you use either the aperture priority AE (Av) mode or manual exposure (M) mode, in which adjustment of the depth of field and exposure is easier.

9. Hood

The custom lens hood reduces unwanted light that causes flare and ghosting and protects the front of the lens from rain, snow, and dust.


Attaching the Hood
Align the red attachment position mark on the hood with the red dot on the front of the lens, and then turn the hood in the direction of the arrow until you hear a click.

Detaching the Hood
Keep your finger pressed down on the button located on the side of the hood, and then turn the hood in the direction of the arrow until the attachment position mark on the hood is aligned with the red dot on the front of the lens to detach it. The hood can be reverse-mounted on the lens for storage.

  • If the hood is not attached properly, igniting (darkening of the perimeter of the picture) may occur. z Grasp and turn the base of the hood when attaching and detaching it. There are cases in which it may become deformed if the hood is turned with it grasped near to the rim.

10. Tripod Mount (Sold separately)

This lens can be used with the tripod mount ring E (B) with adapter for the RF100mm F2.8 L MACRO IS USM lens, sold separately. Attach the lens to the tripod mount adapter before attaching the tripod mount.

Attaching the Tripod Mount Adapter

While spreading the tripod mount adapter opening (1), match the mounting index on the adapter with the SA control ring index on the lens (2), and slide the adapter along from the lens mount side (3).

  • The tripod mount adapter’s inner lugs should slide into the grooves on the lens barrel. The adapter should not be able to rotate around the lens barrel.

Removing The Tripod Mount Adapter

Grip both sides of the tripod mount adapter opening with the fingers of both hands (1), spread it open (2) with a slight downward motion toward the front of the lens, and then slide it upwards over the lens mount to remove it (3).

  • If a white powder-like substance is apparent on the surface of the lens after the tripod mount adapter has been removed, wipe it clean with a cloth or similar item.
  • When attaching or removing the the tripod mount adapter, ensure that the lens cap and dust cap are both on and set the lens so that the lens mount side faces up.

Attaching the Tripod Mount

1 Open the collar of the tripod mount

  • Turn the lock knob counterclockwise until it becomes loose (about 3 turns) (1).
  • Pull the knob in the direction of the arrow (2) to release the collar (3).

2 Attach tripod mount to lens

  • With the collar open, insert the tripod mount onto the adapter and close the collar (4).

3 Fix tripod mount to lens

  • While pulling the lock knob (5), insert the end of the open collar until it reaches its original position (6).
  • While depressing the lock knob, turn and tighten it, thus fixing the mount securely to the lens (7).

When removing the tripod mount, hold the camera and lens and remove the mount following the above procedure in reverse.

Switching the Orientation of the Image
By loosening the lock knob on the tripod mount you can rotate the camera and the lens to switch the image in any orientation (vertical, horizontal, etc.). Make sure that the lock knob is tightened after setting the camera in place.

11. Filters (Sold separately)

  • When photographing from a tripod attached to the tripod mount, using [Elec. 1st-curtain] or [Electronic] settings is recommended* with cameras with interchangeable shutter mode settings.
    * When using an EOS R camera, select either [Mode 1] (default factory setting) or [Mode 2] in the [Silent LV shoot.] settings, or select [Enable] in the [Silent shutter] settings.
  • When carrying the lens with the tripod mount attached, ensure that the tripod mount lock knob is securely tightened, and take care when carrying. Not doing so may result in the product falling off, leading to damage or injury.

You can attach filters to the filter mounting thread on the front of the lens.

  • Filters and the Canon macro flash cannot be used on this lens at the same time.
  • If you need a polarizing filter, use the Canon Circular Polarizing Filter PL-C B.
  • Detach the hood when adjusting the polarizing filter.

12. Macro Flash (Sold separately)

The Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II or Macro Twin Lite MT-26EX-RT enables macro flash photography up to 1.4x magnification in E-TTL II autoflows mode. Attach the Macro Lite Adapter 67 (sold separately) on the filter mounting thread on the front of the lens for macro flash photography.

When the MR-14EX II is in use
• Effective Flash Range (Reference) (With the SA control ring in the central position) Aperture

 

  • For information on operating the Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II or the Macro Twin Lite MT-26EX-RT, refer to the individual instruction booklets.
  •  Using the SA control ring will change the effective flash range, so please take a test shot beforehand to check exposure.

When the MT-26EX-RT is in use
The MT-26EX-RT’s flash range largely depends on the flash head’s position.

  • In the event of over-exposure, use a diffuser adapter, lower the ISO sensitivity setting, or reduce the aperture size.

Specifications

  • The lens length is measured from the lens mount surface to the front end of the lens. Add 24.2 mm/0.95 in. when including the lens cap and dust cap.
  • The maximum diameter, length and weight listed are for the lens itself only.
  • Close-up Lens 250D/500D cannot be attached because there is no size that fits the lens.
  • You cannot use extenders.
  • All data listed is measured according to Canon standards. z Product specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.