The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens is a notably updated version of Canon's popular 100mm Macro lens. In its latest incarnation, the 100mm f/2.8L Macro joins Canon's esteemed L-series, and as such is held to a higher level of resolving power and overall construction. Other improvements found on the EF 100mm f/2.8L include Optical Image Stabilization with up to 4-stops of shake control, and a refined Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for quicker and quieter auto-focusing with full-time manual override.
Like its predecessor, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L allows for a comfortable, shadow-free shooting distance between the front of the lens barrel and the subject with life-size (1:1) magnification. Optional extension tubes increase this magnification for exceptional close-up detail.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 100 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 24° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1' (30.48 cm) |
| Magnification | 1x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:1 |
| Groups/Elements | 12/15 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 67 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.06 x 4.84" (7.77 x 12.29 cm) |
| Weight | 1.38 lb (625 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Truly Excellent Lens ... but
This is a truly great lens in most respects, but it does have some faults. The resolution and the bokeh this lens produces are outstanding and place this lens among the very best macro ...Read complete review
This is a truly great lens in most respects, but it does have some faults. The resolution and the bokeh this lens produces are outstanding and place this lens among the very best macro lenses out there. Actually, it is a better macro lens than all other 100mm offerings, except the Zeiss 100mm Makro Planar, and it is a better lens in many respects than the Zeiss.The biggest reason I didn't buy the Zeiss was the Zeiss isn't a true 1:1 macro lens (it's only 1:2), and the Zeiss doesn't have any AF or IS at all, which were limitations that were not suitable for my purposes (butterfly photography, where you don't have all day to focus manually, plus the hand-movement of doing so often startles the subject).However, the flipside to this is the fact the Canon's ability to manual focus (when critical MF is called for) is a joke compared to the Zeiss. In real numbers, you can focus from closeup to infinity with a mere 180 degree turn of the wrist with the Canon, while it takes you about 720 degrees of rotation to go from zero to infinity focusing the Zeiss. In other words, the Zeiss is 4x more precise in the manual focus department than the Canon, and it just feels like a much higher-quality instrument in this regard also.Both the Zeiss and the Canon take absolutely superb-quality images, and both produce superb-quality bokeh (out-of-focus background blur), both of which are key elements to macrophotography. Thus, if you're deciding on a macro lens for yourself, and want the very best, then your decision will be between this EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens by Canon or the 100mm f/2.0 Makro Planar by Zeiss. If you're serious about the best 100mm macro lens for your Canon body, it's going to be a choice between these two. The Tamrons and the Sigmas don't even come close.In order to decide which of these two lenses is best for you, you will need to question your own motives for getting a macro lens. If you always use a tripod, and if your subjects don't require true 1:1 magnification (e.g., portrait), and if your usual subjects stand still long enough for you to get absolutely perfect focus (and if your budget permits a ~$2000 lens), the Zeiss would be the clear choice. However, if you are out in the field alot, and if you shoot hand-held alot (and thus could use the Image Stabilization), and if you want to get true 1:1 magnification, and/or if many of your live-capture opportunities will be fleeting and so you need a fast auto-focus to capture a tiny creature while there's time (rather than a slow and deliberate manual focus that might take too long before the opportunity is gone), then I would get the Canon, which is what I personally did.As an owner of this Canon L lens, I love it for what it does: which is produce crystal-clear images and possibly the best bokeh I have ever seen out of any lens of any kind (even better than the Zeiss). But I would be lying if I said I still don't have it in my head to go ahead and get the Zeiss Makro Planar also, for what *it* does, which is offer absolutely precise manual focus. Because the biggest drawback to this Canon is its pitiful manual focus. If you move your hand, even a little bit, as you attempt to focus, it produces a dramatic difference because of the fact it only takes a 180-degree rotation to go from 1:1 to infinity, which again is a joke. The bottom line is the rotational elements for this Canon lens were made with auto-focusing as its main goal, and that's fine when you need it. But there are often some critical moments in macro-photography that require the super-precise focusing efforts, and 720-degree rotation capability of the Zeiss precision is simply superior to the Canon in this regard.But other than that, the Canon lens is a truly great lens in MOST of the key elements to macrophotography ... and the image-quality, the color rendition, and super-creamy bokeh it produces truly are top-notch ... and overall I am very happy with my desicion to have purchased it.Anyway, for what it's worth, that is my $0.02 ...Hope this helps,
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
It's Manual Focus From Now On
Pros - Sharp images, IS gives you a fighting chance w/o a tripod-just don't lean forward or back.
Cons - Even w/range adjustments, the AF does too much traveling. It star...Read complete review
Pros - Sharp images, IS gives you a fighting chance w/o a tripod-just don't lean forward or back.
Cons - Even w/range adjustments, the AF does too much traveling. It startled me when it made a loud staggering/grinding noise like you hear when shifting worn gears on a truck. I almost dropped the camera. I shoot w/a 40D and had plenty of light. I must have received a bad copy.
This is my 3rd L-series lens. The light weight is great, but I expected more. I take away one star for the AF issue, and one star for the Tripod Mount Ring gouging ($190 - Really?)
Reviewed by 750 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
The best lens I have ever used.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
My first L lens and am so far very glad I purchased it. Definitely can see how different an L is compared to regular EF lenses. Very happy so far.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
LOVE this lens! I'm using it for HD on a 5DMII. It gets me right on top of the details without having to get too close physically. And with the IS, pans and tilts are a breeze.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I think this is a must have for wedding photography you will never look back
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Great lens! Use it for flowers, products, portraits... basically anything. It's sharp and the colors are great. 2.8 is amazing and brings a new style to some of my shots. I don't mind that its not made from metal, it's got enough weight to is as it is. Overall, I would buy it again and recommend it to anyone who's serious about photography.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Fills the macro space in my lens lineup perfectly! And I don't think any of my lenses is as sharp or fast to focus. (they are mostly "L" series!)
This is a fantastic purchase...highly recommended!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I tried it for some outdoor macro photography, and I like it a lot - it is fast and reliable. The image stabilization comes in really handy when you don't have a tripod.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Only reason for a 4 rating is I just bought the the lense and have not tapped into its full potential. Solid, sharp, and well contructed. Plan to use as a portriat lense to compliment my EF 85mm lense.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I've owned both the Non-IS and now the IS canon 100mm Macro Lens. While the 100mm non-IS model is an extremely solid and good performing lens, the L version definitely gives you a good reason to spend for the better glass. Very sharp, and build is solid, however the main attraction for me is the IS feature. This gives me up to 4 times the stopping speed so i can do ad-hoc handheld shots. The focusing USM is blazing fast and ACCURATE. I recommend this lens for anyone that wants to get into macro/fun photography.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
It's a Canon L lens, so you get the expected solid construction, excellent optics, and in this case amazing IS system. This lens only differs slightly from the non-L version, mostly in the inclusion of the image stabilizing system. The IS system is very helpful, though, for both photography and while shooting video, which I've already done a bit of with this lens.
The image equality is top notch, the focussing is fast, it works well for macro as well as portrait photography, and the IS makes it a great video lens as well. Hurts financially to buy expensive glass like this, but the quality you receive makes it well worth it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I love everything about this lens especially its versatility in macro and portrait photography.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
This lens is everything I thought it would be. AWESOME! I use it often when photographing family/friends to get that 'professional' looking quality shot. Pictures are clear and precise. I specifically purchased the lens based on the extra light it had to offer related to it's 2.8 aperture setting and I've not been disappointed. The brokeh that can be achieved at the larger aperture is great. On the downside is it's weight. I pair this with my Canon 7D and it can be a bit cumbersome at times. Regardless, this has been the single best photography purchase I've made so far.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Rented this lens and used it heavily while filming bridal preparations for a recent wedding film. Not sure how I got along without it, but I recently purchased for myself after said event and it has now earned a rightful place in my kit bag for every gig going forward. The sharpness is incredible for filming details of rings, shoes, bouquet, the dress, etc. I was also using it for short range telephoto work from a monopod during bride and bridesmaids makeup application. They hybrid IS is phenomenal. When reviewing the footage I was pleasantly surprised to find little to no noticeable camera-shake. I wish Canon would put this hybrid system in all of their IS lenses! It's that good. I know there's plenty of hyperbole in this review (as is with most) but this is a lens that no photographer or videographer should be without. It's like getting two lenses in one with killer IS technology. If you're reading this and have been on the fence about this lens, just do yourself the favor and buy it already.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
The 100mm macro is working as expected. I picked it up for the macro but also use it for protraits and general indoor use. The 2.8 is nice and makes this a very versitile lens. The only downside is the cost, it's about twice as much as the non-IS version. I also find it has to hunt more than I'd expect in difficult light situations. However, you get what you pay for and I would buy the lens again tomorrow as the IS is fantastic for hand held work.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I am new for macro photography but already know that this is excellent macro lens. Fast autofocus and great bokeh. I have used a lot of portraits lenses and I have to say this one is one of the best. The only downside material the lens is made of - plastic... feels cheap... sorry canon
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Bought this as a supplement to my beloved 28-70mm 2.8L. Felt an 85mm was too similar to the long end of that zoom. Primarily using the 100mm for tight portraits & headshots but love the macro capabilities. The focal length of the lens provides a nice distance from the subject in a head & shoulder framing.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Great compatibility with all my Canon Cameras
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I use a 7d, canon lens work the best with this camera.I barowed a 90mm lens but it did not work well at all on my 7d,but my old 40d it worked great.I walk the beach and wood the image stabilzatoin is great help so do not need my trypod.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I used a friend's macro quite a bit and was pleased with it, so decided to buy my own. I use it mostly to shoot flowers and pets and the results have been fantastic. The IS is a definite plus compared to the non-IS version of this lens.
The reasons I gave it 4 stars is its engineering plastic construction and the cheap bag that Canon sent with it. I own other L lenses and their construction is much more rugged compared to this lens.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I went with this lens after reading reviews and am so glad I did. The clarity of the photos and the ease of use are exceptional, particularly as this is my first go-around with a macro lens. It is a little heavy, and with a lens hood attached is difficult to fit into a carry bag, but reversing the hood when storing seemed to solve that problem. Also, the lens comes with a lens hood, so don't make the mistake I did and order a separate lens hood with it.
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »