![]() There's a simple distance scale in feet and meters, which also shows the magnification ratio in orange. This can make achieving really precise manual focus in the 'portrait range' (ca. It rotates about 150 degrees between infinity and the closest focus of 0.3m, and the gearing is (not surprisingly) optimized for macro shooting. ![]() The focus ring is 28mm wide, and as smooth as we've come to expect from Canon's premium lenses. It reverses for storage, but in the process blocks the focus ring and all of the control switches. This is so deep that, at 1:1 magnification, it's just 5cm from the subject.Īs usual from Canon it's made of thick black plastic, and lined with felt to minimize the reflection of stray light into the lens. The supplied ET-73 lens hood is frankly vast - a full 83mm in depth, to be precise. The filter thread is 67mm (as used on the 70-200mm F4 L models), and does not rotate on focusing. It can also be used with Canon's extension tubes for even greater magnification.Ī rubber seal around the outside of the mount protects dust and water ingress. This means it will fit all of Canon's DSLRs regardless of sensor format, APS-C, APS-H or 35mm full-frame. The lens uses Canon’s all-electronic EF mount. Because of this it doesn't replace the older lens, but rather sits alongside it in Canon's formidable short-telephoto lineup. But the red ring around the barrel which designates that it's a member of Canon's top-end 'L' series adds a hefty premium to the price. The latest iteration has grown only a little compared to the older lens, and despite the addition of image stabilization is less than an ounce (or just 25g) heavier. It was replaced by the 100mm F2.8 USM macro in 2000 (the first internal-focusing macro lens capable of 1:1 magnification), which added an ultrasonic motor for near-silent autofocusing. It's also the only one with a metal body - the other two have plastic outer barrels. The original 1990 version on the left looks the most compact in this view, but unlike the other two extends considerably on focusing. They've grown progressively larger with each generation, and the filter thread has expanded accordingly, from 52mm via 58mm to 67mm. Here we see the three 100mm F2.8 Macro lenses Canon has made for the EOS system side by side. Three Canon EF 100mm F2.8 macro lenses compared This makes really accurate manual focus at such distances much more tricky. There is, however, one downside to this, which is that the travel through the 'portrait range' (ca. Fortunately the 100mm F2.8 L IS USM macro works well in this regard - the gearing of the focus ring is, not surprisingly, well optimized for macro shooting, and makes achieving precise focus a breeze, especially when using magnified live view as a focusing aid. The manual focus experience is critically important for a macro lens - most serious closeup work is done tripod mounted, with autofocus not an option. As always, though, it must be noted that focus speed and accuracy is dependent upon a number of variables, including the camera body used, subject contrast, and light levels. Overall it feels a bit snappier and more decisive than the older 100mm F2.8 USM macro, addressing one of the few criticisms of that lens. The lens uses Canon's familiar ring-type ultrasonic motor for focusing, which is fast, positive and near-silent in operation. The narrow cylindrical shape to an extent gives it the impression of being larger than it actually is - it's still distinctly smaller and lighter than the 24-70mm F2.8L, for example. It's just a touch front-heavy on entry-level models like the 500D, but still perfectly usable. The 100mm macro is probably best-matched to Canon's mid to high-end DSLRs, such as the 5D Mark II. The plain cylindrical area close to the mount is the attachment point for the optional Tripod Mount Ring D this is a useful accessory that avoids the radical changes in position and balance associated with flipping the camera to portrait orientation on a conventional tripod head, but one that's not especially cheap. The controls are well laid-out and clear - the three control switches on the side are positive yet difficult to knock accidentally, and the focus ring is broad and smooth in operation. All-in-all it feels perfectly well-built, with no creaks or 'give' to the construction but in truth little different from its non-L unstabilized sibling (aside from the sealing of course). The exterior of the barrel is made from high quality plastic, which helps keep weight down, and the mount is of course metal there's also dust and moisture sealing (with a protective seal around the lens mount). ![]() The 100mm macro is a moderately large lens, and its design and construction will look instantly familiar to anyone versed in Canon's recent 'L' series designs.
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