Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens USA
- Price: $996.00
- Instant Savings: -$70.00 Offer ends MAR 3 '12
- You Pay: $926.00
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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.
- Tele-Macro Focal Length
- The convenient 100mm focal length of the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens allows for a comfortable shooting distance between the camera and subject, and less chance of shadow interference when shooting at closer focusing ranges.
- Life-Size Image Reproduction
- The lens allows for continuous focusing down to 1:1 life-size. Optional extension tubes can increase this ratio for even greater magnification.
- L-Series Optical Quality
- As a Canon L-series optic, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens can be counted among the sharpest, best-built, weatherproof optics available for Canon EOS SLR cameras.
- Quick and Quiet Focusing
- By incorporating a new Ultrasonic Motor, Canon has improved the speed and reduced the noise levels of the lens's autofocus system, while still allowing for full-time manual override.
- Compatible with All Canon EOS Cameras
- The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens is compatible with all Canon EOS digital and film SLRs. When used with a Canon APS-C sensor DSLR, the lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 160mm.
Go To
| 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 PowerReviews(based on 777 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (462)
- Consistent output (455)
- Strong construction (403)
- Nice bokeh (380)
- Durable (366)
Cons
- Heavy (70)
- Slow focus (64)
- Poor in low light (15)
- Pricey / poor value (10)
- Pricey (8)
Best Uses
- Macro photography (660)
- Low light (264)
- Weddings (241)
- Wildlife photos (171)
- Landscape/scenery (150)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (335), Semi-pro photographer (201), Pro photographer (155), Casual photographer (48), Photography student (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (466), Yes (31)
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 777 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I have considered this lens for over a year. Now that I finally took the plunge I can only say one thing: Unbelievable! If you need a macro lens this is the one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
This lens is very well-built (though built out of a highly-durable engineering plastic rather than the usual metal of L-series lenses), weather-proof, wide-open for a macro lens, and has the most-advanced image stabilization that I have used to date.
Anything wider than f/2.8 in the macro range will yield an almost-nonexistent depth-of-field. That being said, I even bump the aperture down to about f/4 before taking most photos with this lens. The f/4 of this lens has a depth-of-field about as thin as that of the f/2.8 of my 70-200mm lens set at 100mm.
The image stabilizer of this lens corrects for both shaking and shifting. With it, I can take good photos handheld for a 1-second exposure.
The MTF chart for this lens is the most promising that I have seen; and, as expected, images are tack-sharp and highly-detailed. And, to boot, this is the most consistent lens in my bag.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I got this 2 weeks ago, so far I've been using this lens mostly for portrait photos in low light with a 5D Mark II. I haven't had the chance to do macro pictures yet.
The quality is amazing, gives a nice bokeh effect and is a sharp lens wide open. The IS works even better than I thought. I think the new tech 'works'.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Incredibly sharp. This will be the most fun lens you will every purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I bought this lens in order to get into macro photography. It is now the default lens I keep on my camera. Razor sharp and fast.
Can't believe I debate so long over spending the $ for this lens. Buy one and have some fun.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Perfect lens for close-ups. I use it for my everyday portraits and close up shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I am a new photographer, but had rented one of these lenses while I was on the road. I knew that I needed in my lens arsenal. It takes amazing pictures close up and captures amazing detail.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Great lens for both macro and portraiture. Its super sharp, focus is pretty quick but the one thing that bothered me was its an L series lens but made of plastic. It feels very durable and solid but normally all L lenses are metal body and weather sealed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Pictures are crystal clear.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
It was easy to use this macro lens, handheld, right out of the box. A couple of remote flashes made it even easier.
This lens has decent construction.
This lens is super sharp. It could also be used for portraits, but it will pick up every detail, every flaw. Also, the focus ring is 90% for 0.3m-1.0m, so you will probably find it difficult to manually focus beyond that wide open.
This lens gives me a lot of inspiration to work outside my comfort zone and I already have a couple long term projects specifically for this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I've used it for landscape and for macro. It performs as you would expect for an L lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow aperture
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
This lens is not only the best macro I've every used but also an incredible portrait lens.
This lens is wonderful for weddings as it allows you to have an extremely sharp macro lens for those tiny detail shots. As well as having an image stabilized portrait lens that is much lighter than the 70-200.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I bought this lens as a gift to myself a little while back and it has proved to be one of the best investments I've ever made in my gear. I'd say it stands shoulder to shoulder with my purchase of the 5D Mark II three years ago.
The reason this lens is so great, beyond the obvious (L-series quality, USM, IS, bokeh, image quality...) is that it is, pound for pound, one of the most fun lenses I've ever shot with. It has really rekindled my childlike joy in photography. You can really go out into life and touch the world with this lens. Whatever your interests: people, macro, landscapes, street, you name it, this lens does it and does is superbly.
Since the very first time shooting with this lens I came home with something I enjoyed. And for me, that is what it is all about.
Small aside: the IS is a little louder than most other IS lenses I've shot with. Also, the IS can make a pretty nasty little noise if it is engaged and you jerk the lens. I've looked into this and from what I can tell it is a common issue, but not something to be too worried about.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I was debating between the non-L or the L and I am REALLY glad that I went with the L! (Mind you I got it when it was on instant rebate for [$])Pros:New image stabilizer - The new innovative image stabilizer allows me to get crisp, shake-free macro shots at 1/30 in awkward angles that would be impossible with a tripod!Bokeh - Bokeh is very pleasant and round due to the 9 curved aperture blades.Texture treatment - The new matte texture lens hood feels a lot better than traditional smooth ones, doesn't leave fingerprints, and aesthetically aligns itself with the lens body.Sharpness - as good as it gets!Con:Focusing - My only gripe against the lens is the focus hunting in weaker lighting conditions, but I believe that also has to do with my camera's older focus sensors (my workhorse 20D). In fact, all Canon DSLR before the 7D (except the 1 series) have essentially the same old focus sensor... DXImportant notable (pro/con depending on how you look at it):Construction and weight - This L lens is lighter than comparably-sized L lenses that one would be used to due to the construction being engineering plastic instead of magnesium alloy. I cannot verify any decrease in durability as it feels solid in my hands, has a well dampened focus ring with no play, and is still fully weather sealed (the new construction may also be responsible for the more "affordable" sticker price compared to other recent L lenses).Lens collar - do note that the collar does NOT come with the lens and is an optional accessory.I give props to Canon for trying something new with their top of the line product and I believe for better or worse, the engineering plastic construction will be here to stay (on the less expensive black L lenses anyway). It may be a boon to those who want all the features of a L lens without the heft and full-blown L price, but on the other hand may detract others due to it being "plastic".
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Have only used for a short time, but so far the lens has been Great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I purchased this lens rather than the less expensive Canon 100mm macro due to its image stabilization. While the IS does not seem to give 4 extra stops, I do notice a definite benefit. I can shoot handheld and lose very few shots to blur.
The build quality is exceptional, as one would expect. I have had very few focusing issues. Autofocus is normally fast and accurate, even in low light. The only situation in which I have had problems with AF is at extremely close distances.
Very happy with this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Exelent sharpness.stabilization and build.Not to big,not to small.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Focus hunt
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
I use this for macro shots mainly.
It's solid and the hood snaps on the way it should.
It hunts in autofocus in full telephoto mode.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Having an "L" lens in my bag now, the 70-200, I had no doubt that this 100 2.8 "L" Macro IS would please me just as well. And it does. I know that I've read some reviews that weren't too pleased with the build of the lens because of the lack of metal. The high impact resins that are made today not only are tough but the weight that they shed is a big benefit especially when hand holding for a close up macro shot. It makes the lens much easier for that steady hand that you need especially in low light conditions. Assisted with the "IS" enhancement really makes it a dream lens. The large manual focus ring is as smooth as silk and the auto focus 3 position switch certainly helps. When using my Canon 7D on a tripod along with the live view 2 position magnification screen, I can really pinpoint the lens to its most finite focus, and incredible bokeh. So, don't wait as long as I did to pick one of these beautiful lenses up. Why wait to have a great time shooting "Inner Space".
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens:
Took it to a macro class. Photos turned out great!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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- Instant Savings: -$30.00 Offer ends MAR 3 '12
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What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- Lens Hood
- Lens Pouch
- 1-Year Warranty
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