For the Canon EOS R50 (RF mount, APS‑C), these are the most practical macro options, depending on how “true macro” you need:

• Canon RF-S 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM: Best all-around. Small, affordable, has stabilization, great for product shots/food/general close-ups. It’s macro-ish (about 0.5×), not 1:1.
• Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM: Best dedicated macro. 1.4× magnification, excellent sharpness, comfortable working distance for insects. Bigger and pricier.
• Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM: Solid budget-friendly longer option with stabilization and about 0.5× magnification; also nice for portraits.

If you tell me what you’ll photograph (bugs, flowers, coins, product photos) and your budget, I can narrow it to one pick.

My tip: Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for Canon EOS R50. Very satisfied with it.

Using Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for almost a year for Canon EOS R50 and can only recommend it. The optical stabilization is very good The build quality feels premium and should last for years.

My clear recommendation for Canon EOS R50: Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. The weather sealing is sufficient even for outdoor shooting The ergonomic design allows for comfortable handling.

Technical highlights: The latest generation offers significantly better image quality. Very good compatibility with Canon EOS R50 features. Can be used without problems for various photography styles. Even after hours of shooting, no performance losses. Very good build quality, even at high usage.

What focal length range are you thinking? That makes a big difference for Canon EOS R50.

Bump - same question here

Have Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM for Canon EOS R50 in use. Works perfectly.

I can warmly recommend Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for Canon EOS R50. The compatibility is comprehensive The ergonomic design allows for comfortable handling.

My personal experience: I've tested various lenses, and Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM was superior in all tests. The image quality remains excellent even in challenging lighting conditions, which is important for professional work. Very good future-proofing through modern technology and reliable performance.

Honestly, I have to push back a bit on the suggestion that the 0.5x lenses are the way to go here. While they are decent for general close-ups, if you’re trying to do technical macro work, you’re going to hit a wall with that 1:2 reproduction ratio almost immediately. On an APS-C sensor like the R50, you really need to be thinking about the diffraction-limited aperture and how much working distance you’re actually getting between the front element and your subject. In my experience, people often underestimate the importance of 1:1 magnification for true macro. So, I have a couple of questions: Are you looking for a dedicated lens that hits that life-size 1:1 magnification, or is a general-purpose prime with "close-up" capabilities enough for what you're shooting? And basically, how vital is autofocus to your workflow? Tbh, for high-magnification shots, most pros just end up on a manual rail anyway, which opens up a lot of different optical paths beyond the standard RF native lineup.

Seconded!

ngl i am in the exact same spot right now. been hunting for a reliable macro for my r50 too and it is honestly exhausting. you really gotta be careful with some of these lighter options because they tend to feel a bit flimsy for serious work. i would suggest looking at any of the manual lenses from Laowa. just get any of those and you cant go wrong if you care about build quality. i have seen too many electronic focus motors give out on people after a few months. make sure to prioritize something with a solid metal barrel. still trying to figure out which one i want myself but i am definitely leaning towards that brand for the reliability...

Have good experience with Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for Canon EOS R50. The price-performance ratio is great The lens includes all modern features you need.

Noted!