In photography, any lens can transform an ordinary moment into a stunning work of art. The Canon EF100mm lens is known for its versatility and popularity. It's perfect for both portrait and macro photography, helping you bring your vision to life. But is it worth the price? Let's discover what makes this Canon lens so special.
Canon EF100mm,lens only review
The Canon EF 100mm lens has received excellent reviews from many users, with many praising its sharpness, image quality, autofocus performance, and overall value for money. Photographers consistently emphasize the lens' fast and accurate autofocus thanks to ultrasonic motor (USM) technology. The lens' image stabilization features, which stabilize up to 4 f-stops at standard focusing distances, are also praised. Users commended the lens for its exceptional build quality and weather-sealing, making it a reliable companion in a wide range of shooting situations. Compared to other macro lenses such as the Zeiss Macro-Planar, the Canon EF 100mm offers an attractive balance of performance and value.
Canon EF 100mm USM L IS Macro Lens Introduction
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM L IS Macro Lens is world-class. Intelligently designed and built to last, with a 15-element structure in 12 groups that captures stunning images. The lens has a strong metal mount and durable plastic. A wide rubber focus ring makes fine adjustments easy.
Design and Build Quality
This lens is weather resistant and ideal for use in harsh conditions. The internal focus system stabilizes the front element. This makes the lens extremely versatile.
Focusing and image stabilization
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM L IS Macro Lens offers excellent focusing and image stabilization. It uses Canon's USM autofocus system for fast and accurate focusing. It also features hybrid image stabilization with up to 4 stops of image stabilization at standard distances and 2 stops of image stabilization at 1:1 magnification. This lens is one of the most popular lenses for photographers and videographers. Its design, construction, focusing, and image stabilization are first class.
Canon EF100mm, only lens review: performance analysis
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM L IS Macro Lens delivers premium sharpness and optical performance. This is demonstrated in the review results: on the 20D camera, a maximum resolution of 45.2 ± 0.6 lpmm in the center was achieved. This is comparable to the performance of Canon's EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens.
When tested on the 50D, the 100mm macro lens exceeded 52 lpmm. This is a remarkable achievement that rivals the best lenses from other systems.
Sharpness and Optical Performance
The lens maintains excellent sharpness and detail on the periphery, showing a sharpness close to 36 lpmm even at f/2.8. Optical performance is outstanding, delivering professional-grade images across the entire frame.
Autofocus accuracy and speed
The Canon EF 100mm macro lens uses the USM system for autofocus accuracy and autofocus speed. This system works fast, accurate and quiet. However, the lens can hunt when focusing in macro. Manual focusing may be necessary for best results.
Comparison of the Canon EF100mm Macro lens with other lenses
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM L IS Macro Lens is the best choice for macro photography. But how does it compare to other popular macro lenses? Let's see how the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM compares to the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro lens.
Comparison with EF-S 60mm F2.8 Macro USM
Canon EF-S 60mm F2. The 8 Macro USM is smaller and less expensive than the EF 100mm Macro lens; the 100mm Macro has better sharpness and optical performance, but the 60mm Macro is more affordable. Image quality and cost-effectiveness are very important when comparing these lenses.
Comparison with Nikon 105mm G IF-ED VR Micro
The Canon EF 100mm Macro and Nikon 105mm F2.8G IF-ED VR Micro have similar image quality. Canon lenses feature image stabilization, which is ideal for handheld macro photography. Choosing between these lenses depends on personal preferences and specific needs.
Conclusion
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM L IS Macro Lens is a premium choice for portrait and macro photography. It shines with sharpness, optical quality, and fast autofocus. The non-L version may lack image stabilization, but its overall quality and value are hard to beat. This lens is ideal for detailed close-ups and beautiful portraits. It delivers smooth bokeh and detailed images. Its wide focal range makes it suitable for a variety of shooting styles. If you are looking for a macro lens that can also be used for portraits, this lens is an excellent choice.
In summary, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM L IS Macro Lens is a gem for photographers. It offers exceptional performance and value. Its optical quality, autofocus, and versatility make it a standout in the macro lens market. It is a must-have lens in every photographer's collection.
FAQ
What are the key features of the Canon EF 100mm USM L IS Macro Lens?
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM L IS Macro Lens has a sophisticated design: it consists of 15 elements in 12 groups, including one UD lens. It is made of durable metal and high-quality plastic. The lens features Canon's USM autofocus system and 'hybrid' image stabilization, providing up to four stops of image stabilization at standard focusing distances. At 1:1 magnification, the system provides the advantage of two stops of image stabilization.
How does the sharpness and optical performance of the Canon EF 100mm Macro Lens compare to other lenses in its class?
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM L IS Macro Lens delivers very good sharpness and optical performance on the 20D camera, reaching a maximum resolution of 45.2 ± 0.6 lpmm at the center of the frame. This is comparable to the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens. When tested on the 50D, the 100mm macro lens achieved over 52 lpmm. This is a great result, comparable to high-end lenses on other camera systems.
How does the autofocus performance of the Canon EF 100mm Macro Lens compare to other lenses?
The Canon EF 100mm Macro Lens uses Canon's USM autofocus system. This ensures fast, accurate, and almost silent performance. However, it can occasionally hunt in macro situations, so manual focus adjustment may be necessary for best results.
How does the Canon EF 100mm USM L IS Macro Lens compare to the Canon EF-S 60mm Macro USM and Nikon 105mm G IF-ED VR Micro Lens?
The Canon EF 100mm Macro Lens has slightly better sharpness and optical performance than the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM, even at the larger f/2.8 aperture. The 60mm Macro is more compact and less expensive, making it ideal for APS-C camera users.
Compared to the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro Lens, the Canon 100mm Macro offers similar image quality. Both lenses produce excellent sharpness and detail. The main difference is the Canon lens' image stabilization, which is useful for handheld macro photography even at longer focal lengths.