Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens Review
In September 2009 Canon have properly imported the first lens of this new technology and no great surprise, it proved to be a 100mm macro. The EF 100mm F.2.8 L IS USM Canon combines impressive short telephoto lineup to complement (rather than replace) the existing EF 100mm F2.8 USM Macro, and at a significantly higher price. In addition to the latest and best technology IS he wins all the usual benefits associated with the premium badge ‘L’, including the associated robust weathersealed construction and use of exotic glass for correction of aberrations. The optical structure consists of 15 elements in 12 groups, including a single ultra-low dispersion glass element, and the 1:1 maximum magnification achieved with a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters.
Canon makes a very specific requirements for the effectiveness of the new IS system, and it is worth looking at this in detail. The stabilizer is to give focus a 4-stop advantage at longer distances, fell to 3 stations at 0.5x magnification and 2 stops with full 1x magnification. The first of these data is pretty much par for the course, claimed for the current Canon IS lenses, but also with the hybrid system, it is clear that the degree is expected to stabilize near distances is relatively small (this despite the publicity material Canon is that it “enables photographers to create stunning close-ups without using a tripod ‘capture). So the question is certainly potential buyers to ask whether the combination of features by the new lens offers ample justification is convincing, they mean to the older but well-regarded non-stabilized 100mm macro.
BUY CANON EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM MACRO LENS NOW!
Headline features
- 100mm fixed focal length, maximum aperture F2.8
- Macro Focus: 1:1 maximum magnification
- ‘Hybrid’ image stabilization for enhanced effectiveness close focus distances
- Canon EF bayonet for full frame and APS-C DSLRs
The 100mm macro is a moderately large lens, and look for their design and construction will be immediately familiar to anyone well versed in the latest ‘Canon L’ series design. The exterior of the barrel is made from high quality plastic, which helps to weight down, and the mountain is made of metal, of course, there is also dust and moisture sealed) (with a protective film on the lens mount. All in all it feels very well built, with no creaking or enter for the construction, but the truth is somewhat different than their non-stabilized L siblings (apart from the sealing of the course).
BUY CANON EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM MACRO LENS NOW!
The controls are well-designed and clear – the three switches on the side are positive nor difficult to accidentally knock, and the focus ring is broad and smooth in operation. The plain cylindrical region near the mount point is the attachment for the optional tripod collar D, which is a useful accessory that the radical changes in the equilibrium position and mirrors to avoid the camera in portrait mode connected to a conventional tripod head, but one that is not particularly favorable.
BUY CANON EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM MACRO LENS NOW!
In conclusion, the EF 100mm F2.8 L USM is an easy recommendation, regardless if you are looking for exceptional image quality from the price. However, potential buyers need to recognize that the increased cost of its older stablemate, especially for hybrid numbers are displayed, the work, despite its clever technology not very useful for the actual near-distance macro. Of course, it’s still a big advantage for general purpose shooting, should not be underestimated, and the new hybrid technology appears to be a step in the right direction, but the marriage between the macro and stabilization remains an unease.
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