Upgrading my camera from the M series to the R series also required replacing my camera lenses, as the M and R systems are not compatible with each other. Switching to the R series zoom and ultrawide lenses was not a big deal, as those are based off the M and EF series lenses which have served me well in the past.
But replacing the EF-M 28mm Macro lens which I use for all my Garden Glamour Shots, turned out to be a bigger challenge than I expected. Canon has only released a few “macro” lenses for the R series cameras at this time, and 3 of the 4 of those are a 1:2 magnification so they’re not a “true” macro. The fourth lens is a 100mm “professional quality” L series lens which is a much longer focal length than I like, and also somewhat ridiculously expensive.
So when I got my new R10 camera, I also picked up the RF 24mm “macro” lens as well, as that was the focal length closest to what I had been using before. First impression was. . . not fabulous, but I vowed to give it a few more chances because I know that EF-M 28mm lens spoiled me with its quality and ease of use.
But after a session at the rose garden, I am still not in love with this lens. The biggest issue is that it seems to be very inconsistent when trying to achieve a good smooth background. I’m also not terribly impressed with the Image Stabilization, it tends to introduce some shakiness at shutter speeds that aren’t as low as I’d expect.
With that said, it can still produce good images, it just requires a lot more work than my beloved EF-M 28mm macro did. And it does handle reds and purples a lot better than my M system did, which is definitely a good thing.
I’ll keep experimenting with it, and take a quick pass through my favorite exposure reference book as a refresher.
