Upgraded Mirrorless Macro Lenses from Nikon and Canon, Designed for Underwater Photography
In the realm of macro photography, two highly-anticipated lenses have recently emerged: the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM and the Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens. Both lenses offer unique features tailored for underwater photography, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
### Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM: Advantages and Disadvantages for Underwater Photography
The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM boasts a 1.4:1 magnification ratio, ideal for capturing intricate details of small underwater subjects. Its working distance of approximately 3.7 inches provides ample space between the lens and the subject, reducing the risk of disturbing marine life or stirring up sediment.
One of the lens's standout features is the Spherical Aberration (SA) control ring, which allows photographers to adjust the background bokeh creatively. The lens also boasts good weather sealing and robust construction quality, essential for the harsh underwater environment. It is compatible with popular underwater housings like the Ikelite 200DL and has specialized accessories like the Nauticam MFO-3 to optimize focus underwater.
However, the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM is relatively large and heavy, which may affect handling underwater. Focus breathing, a common issue in macro lenses, can also be a drawback for underwater videography. Lastly, its premium price point may be prohibitive for some underwater photographers.
### Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens: Advantages and Disadvantages for Underwater Photography
The Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens offers several advantages for underwater photography. Its reduced ghosting and flaring effects compared to the F mount lens result in sharper image quality. The lens is virtually silent and quicker than the original F mount lens, making it ideal for capturing underwater subjects without disturbing them.
The lens's LCD display for aperture, reproduction ratio, or distance from the subject offers convenience for photographers. Additionally, the focus limiter switch with two positions allows for faster focusing during close-up shots. The lens is dust and weather resistant, ensuring durability in harsh underwater conditions.
However, the Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens, like the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM, is relatively large and heavy, which may affect handling underwater. Its 4.5 stops of optical stabilization (VR reduction) provide excellent image stabilization, but it is not as extensive as the Canon's up to 5 stops of optical image stabilization.
### Comparison Table
| Lens | Advantage | Disadvantage | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------| | Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 | High magnification, good working distance, SA control ring, weather sealing, underwater compatibility | Size and weight, focus breathing, price | | Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 | Reduced ghosting and flaring, quieter autofocus, LCD display, dust and weather resistance, focus limiter | Size and weight, VR reduction not as extensive |
In conclusion, both the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM and the Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens offer unique advantages for underwater photography. The choice between the two depends on personal preference, budget, and specific photography needs. Proper underwater housing and accessories can mitigate handling challenges for serious underwater photographers.
The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM offers a 1.4:1 magnification ratio for intricate underwater subject detail capture, with a working distance that helps prevent disturbances to marine life or sediment stirring. It features a Spherical Aberration (SA) control ring for creative background bokeh adjustments, and it is compatible with popular underwater housings like Ikelite 200DL. However, its size and weight may impact underwater handling, and focus breathing can be a drawback for video photography.
The Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens delivers reduced ghosting and flaring for sharper images, quicker autofocus, and a convenient LCD display for aperture, reproduction ratio, or distance from the subject. It also includes a focus limiter switch and is dust and weather resistant. Yet, like the Canon lens, the Nikon lens is on the larger and heavier side for underwater handling, and its VR reduction is not as extensive as the Canon's.
When considering both lenses for underwater photography, the decision hinges on personal preference, budget, and specific photography requirements. Proper underwater housing and accessories can address handling challenges for dedicated underwater photographers, leveraging the unique features these lenses bring to bluewater photography with DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.
