Macro with 24-70 2.8: I traded in my EF 24-70 F4 for a RF 24-70 f2.8. I really like the RF 2.8 but it does not have the Macro switch like the EF f4 version. Any suggestions on how I...

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

I traded in my EF 24-70 F4 for a RF 24-70 f2.8. I really like the RF 2.8 but it does not have the Macro switch like the EF f4 version. Any suggestions on how I can get near macro or close to it shots with my new RF lens?
Thanks,
Jim

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

junglejim1949 wrote:

I traded in my EF 24-70 F4 for a RF 24-70 f2.8. I really like the RF 2.8 but it does not have the Macro switch like the EF f4 version. Any suggestions on how I can get near macro or close to it shots with my new RF lens?
Thanks,
Jim

Extension tubes are the best option.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The 'macro' idea of the old lens was marketing speak, not actual performance. Personally, I've found extension tubes on anything less than 100mm to be very problematic, you need to be virtually on top of / nearly touching the subject to be within the focus range of the lens.

Moreover, there are not any Canon-branded RF extension tubes yet. Look at your other longer lenses for macro / close-up work.

Regarding the old Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM:

Focal lengths markings are found for 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 70mm. After the 70mm mark is a macro range which is engaged by pushing a "Macro/Lock" switch towards "Macro" and rotating the zoom ring past the 70mm mark. Under these conditions the lens is now in the macro range and maximum magnification is 0.7x. The lens is returned to the normal focusing range by sliding the "Macro/Lock" switch towards "Macro" and rotating the zoom ring back past 70mm into the normal zoom range.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

CHG_CANON wrote:

The 'macro' idea of the old lens was marketing spe... (show quote)

Thanks Paul

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Architect1776 wrote:

Extension tubes are the best option.

Didn't think extension tubes would work with RF glass.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

junglejim1949 wrote:

Didn't think extension tubes would work with RF glass.

They do.
They are just a physical spacer that pass the lens signal to the camera directly.
You might get close but it is not unbearably close physically.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

A screw on closeup lens/filter will work. I used to use one made in Germany on a medium format film camera. But the high quality ones are not cheap.

But if you do a lot of closeup or macro just get an RF macro lens. I have the RF 85 f/2, costs $500. And the 85 mm also doubles as a portrait lens. There is a 100mm for less.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

robertjerl wrote:

A screw on closeup lens/filter will work. I used to use one made in Germany on a medium format film camera. But the high quality ones are not cheap.

But if you do a lot of closeup or macro just get an RF macro lens. I have the RF 85 f/2, costs $500. And the 85 mm also doubles as a portrait lens. There is a 100mm for less.

Also if budget is a concern there are inexpensive EF 100mm macros that will work just fine.
Thanks for pointing out a macro lens.
Ebay has them starting at about $150.00 for a 100mm.

User ID

robertjerl wrote:

......... I have the RF 85 f/2, costs $500. And the 85 mm also doubles as a portrait lens. There is a 100mm for less.

Less ? Less than what ?

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

robertjerl wrote:

A screw on closeup lens/filter will work. I used to use one made in Germany on a medium format film camera. But the high quality ones are not cheap.

But if you do a lot of closeup or macro just get an RF macro lens. I have the RF 85 f/2, costs $500. And the 85 mm also doubles as a portrait lens. There is a 100mm for less.

Thanks for the feedback

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

User ID wrote:

Less ? Less than what ?

The $500

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Architect1776 wrote:

Extension tubes are the best option.

Ditto

agillot

I think the word macro is overused , i used the word closeup . The best luck i have with close up , is with an old 70 / 210 nik with the 20mm spacer that come with the MIKE set up [ 3 pieces , 12 20 32 mm ] . you are far enough from the subject . The mike set up is around $ 50 , and has the electrical connections , well made .

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Extension tubes.

MountainDave

Vello makes extension tubes for the R mount. Like Paul said, they may not be practical in actual use on that focal length. The Rf 24-70 has better magnification and shorter MFD than the EF II version which I find makes it pretty handy for shooting wildflowers. Probably not good for bugs though. Oddly enough, I've had luck shooting bugs with the RF 100-500! One of my all time favorite lenses is the EF 100 2.8L IS macro. Besides being a macro, it is an excellent all around performer. Think portraits, landscapes--anything. I opted not to switch to the RF version because of the RF's focus shift issues. You can buy the EF lens used for 500. or less which is a real bargain for such a legendary lens.