RF100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM Product Planner Interview
Product Planner: Letsuka Kengo
Background of Lens Development Plan
We went ahead with the idea of making a lens that helps customers to explore new photographic expressions with advanced function and performance. Also, we wanted to deliver a maximum shooting magnification of 1.4, SA control ring that can freely adjust bokeh expression, powerful image stabilisation to broaden photos and video shooting possibility. We are convinced that these key features will stimulate the creativity of the photographer.
Reason for Setting the Maximum Magnification to 1.4
The main purpose of using a macro lens is to take macro shots that are close to the subject, so we thought the biggest appeal of this lens would be to exceed the maximum shooting magnification of 1.0x which has been the normal. With 1.4 magnification, you should be able to produce photos and videos that are different from previous 1.0x macro lenses. And now 1.4 comes with higher image quality. We thought that would be of great value to our customers.
Scenes where Macro Photography is Effective
There is a wide range of subjects for macro photography, such as flowers, small creatures and small objects. For the photo shoot workflow such as zoom in, zoom out, focus, expose and frame the subject and then releases the shutter, there are times when you want a little more magnification. In such cases, it’s good to have room up to 1.4 magnification. Also, this lens's powerful IS reduces camera shake, so you can focus on shooting with peace of mind.
Advantages of Capturing Subjects at 1.4 Magnification
Modern digital cameras have high pixels, so you can often crop the original shot to the equivalent of 1.4 with good image quality. But with macro lens, you can focus more on subject and composition looking through the viewfinder. I think that kind of uplifted feeling will lead to joy of shooting experience and a satisfying result.
Effects of 1.4 Macro Photography
With this macro lens, the maximum shooting magnification is 1.4, which is more than usual macro lens. The higher the shooting magnification, the shallower the depth of field. With this high magnification and shallow depth of field, you can discover new subjects and expressions. Instead of looking for the subject with your eyes, you can enjoy looking for the subject through the lens. You might be surprised about the beauty hidden in the detail of the subject in front of you. I think there are times when something you've never pointed a lens at before becomes a wonderful subject.
Expanded Range of Expressions over Conventional Macro Lenses
I think this lens can represent an abstract world like never before. Of course, it can also provide sharp and realistic expressions. This is a lens with a wide range of expressions. It's even more fun to use the SA control ring.
Newly Featured SA Control Ring
This function adjusts the bokeh expression by changing the spherical aberration (SA). By rotating the SA control ring on the lens barrel in the plus or minus direction, you can freely soften or harden the front or back blur depending on the shooting expression. Depending on the amount of rotation, the softness of the image in focus can be adjusted, making this a great feature not only for macro shots of flowers, but also for portraits.
Message to Users
With this macro lens, you can comfortably shoot creative shots with maximum 1.4 magnification and powerful image stabilisation. In addition, controlling the bokeh expression with the SA control ring gives you an infinite range of expressions. I hope you can use this macro lens to find expressions in photos and videos that no one else in the world has found yet.