Canon EF 100mm F2.8 USM Macro Review
General information
This is a prime lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2000.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto prime lenses, a telephoto lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.
The lens has macro-capabilities and is able to reproduce things in their true size (1:1) which is good, it tends to be the rule for calling a lens a 'true' macro lens.
Product description from Canon
At launch 2000 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 100mm F2.8 USM Macro:
"This telephoto macro lens is capable of focusing to life-size (1X) without attachments. Although it replaces the EF 100mm f/2.8 MACRO lens marketed in 1991, it is a completely new design. It incorporates a ring type USM giving quiet, high-speed autofocus. The full-time mechanical manual focus gives very smooth manual focusing. For the first time in a 1X focusing telephoto macro lens, inner focusing is used. The lens length remains constant and a long working distance of 149mm makes worrying about getting too close to the subject unnecessary. Also, during focusing the front ring does not rotate making use of front-mounting accessories like macro ring lites simple and effective. ” Three-group floating” focusing construction uses three independently moving groups, which holds focusing-related changes of aberrations to a minimum giving excellent image quality all the way from infinity to life size."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 100 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF 100mm F2.8 USM Macro
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.
This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 58 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
There is a lens hood that fits the lens (model name "ET-67") but unfortunately this is something that is not included when purchasing the lens and must be ordered and bought separately, as an accessory.
Images of Canon EF 100mm F2.8 USM Macro
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- The lens brightness, f/2,8
- Manages to reproduce things at 1:1 (Macro)
- Works on all sensor types
- No lens hood is included
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF 100mm F2.8 USM Macro.
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| Value |
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| Overall rating | 3.17 of 5 |
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