Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Bring small things into full-sized view with the Canon EF 100mm macro USM lens. Macro lenses can uncover detail that would be impossible to detect by the eye and give new perspective to extremely minute subjects such as insects or the petals of a small flower, and this lens is no exception. The lens offers such features as a three-group floating system for exceptional close-up performance; a secondary diaphragm that blocks stray light at f/2.8, which increases contrast when shooting wide open; a ultra-sonic monitor (USM) that provides outstanding autofocusing speed at all focusing distances; a wide manual focusing ring with smooth action; and full-time manual focus even in AF mode. The first lens in its class to feature inner focusing, the lens carries a one-year warranty.
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Focal length: 100mm
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Maximum aperture: 1:2.8
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Lens construction: 12 elements in 8 groups
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Diagonal angle of view: 24 degrees
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Focus adjustment: Inner focusing system with USM
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Closest focusing distance: 1 foot (film plane to subject)
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Filter size: 58mm
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Dimensions: 3.1 inches in diameter, 4.7 inches long
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Weight: 21.1 ounces
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Review
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens is an extremely good lens. I spent weeks researching which single lens I should first purchase for my (now extinct) 10D, and this lens won out on three points: sharpness, f/2.8 and 1:1 macro capability. The only thing it’s missing is zoom… and that I can do with my feet.
I have since added a Canon 28-135 to my (small) collection of lenses. The 100 mm macro is not the lens I usually use, except when I am doing studio work of small things… which means that whenever I am working in my studio it’s on my camera except for portraiture.
That’s not to say it isn’t good for portraits; on the contrary, it’s great for portraits. I just have too little room to work with indoors for it to be very useful as a portrait lens.
This lens, however, was touted as being “as sharp as L glass”, and “one of, if not the, the sharpest non-L lenses Canon makes”. I have not yet started purchasing L glass, but I can attest that this lens will make even critical pixel peepers like myself quite happy.
I use two methods for getting exceptional focus. First, I hit the shutter button to achieve focus five separate times. This achieves and fine tunes focus. Second, when I am doing macro work, I always focus manually.
No rails or ring lights here; I’m not a macro photography expert. But I have never failed to appreciate the sharpness this lens offers in all usages.
Another nice thing about it is the small 58 mm filter size. Much easier on the wallet than 72mm, 77mm, 86mm, etc.
I love this lens. The only drawbacks I can find with it are:
1. It is a prime. You have to move it or use rails to get a different “zoom”.
2. It is sharper than is advisable for doing portrait photography. You’ll have to manually “soften” some images to minimize skin blemishes if you don’t want to airbrush.
3. Distance from subject in macro mode is only a handful of inches… not enough for doing macro work of most animate living things.
Otherwise, I always come back to this lens for when I need razor sharp images.
By the way, I find that reviews are not as useful unless I know the experience level of the photographer and their camera type. I am using a Canon 5D Mark 2, which is 21.1 mp. This allows me to be supremely aware of flaws to the optics. This lens keeps up with the full frame 21 mp sensor just fine. I am also what I would call a semi-pro photographer who is on the early end of “medium” level of skill/experience compared to the top pros. I have been studying photography, on my own and in college, since 2000. Hope that helps.
