This Canon 100 Macro is simply an excellent lens that I have ever tested. You can get this sharp, fast focusing and cheap lens at Amazon
This lens is very sharp both on the center and on the borders. All other optical defects are kept to a minimum on this lens.
Distortion and chromatic aberration can be completely ignored. Vignetting is only slightly visible at f/2.8, but at other aperture it is not visible.
What really impresses me the most is the build quality.
This lens features an IF (Internal Focusing) mechanism which means it will retain the same dimension during focusing. This kind of feature is very rare seen implemented at a macro lens and is certainly welcomed by many photographers.
The autofocusing mechanism is extremely fast and accurate as well, thanks to the addition to the USM motor.
On top of all that, this lens is priced very moderately below $599 USD.
Overall, I find it very hard to find any flaws on this lens. This lens can simply be the ideal lens for macro, portraiture and sports photography altogether in one package.
If you plan to get excellent results for those kind of photography, I would recommend this lens in a heartbeat.
Read on my complete Canon 100 Macro review below to learn more about this lens.
Specs • Performance • Sample Image • Conclusion • Where to Buy
Canon 100 Macro Specs
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Official Name:
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Focal Length Markings:
100mm
Features:
EF – Electro Focus – Compatible with both full frame and cropped sensor DSLR camera.
Macro – A special lens that allows you to focus closer for close up photography. This lens has 1:1 magnification ratio.
USM – Ultra Sonic Motor – Canon’s autofocus technology for fast and silent autofocusing mechanism.
Full Technical Specs (from Canon’s website):
| Technical Specifications | |
| Groups / Elements | 8 / 12 |
| Angle of View | 24° |
| Number of Blade Diaphragm | 8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.31m |
| Filter Thread | 58mm |
| Weight | 600g |
| Dimension (Diameter x Length) | ø79 x 119mm |
| Macro Magnification Ratio | 1.00X |
| Available at | Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama |
Optical Performance
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Canon 100 Macro Sharpness
Center sharpness is excellent at any aperture, including at f/2.8.
Border sharpness is also excellent at any aperture, complementing the center nicely.
To get the maximum sharpness, shoot at f/4.
Sharpness Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Excellent
(4) Great
(3) Good
(2) Fair
(1) Poor
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Center Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/16 |
| 100mm | Great | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Great |
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Border Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/16 |
| 100mm | Great | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Great |
Distortion
Being a macro lens, distortion is negligible on this Canon 100 Macro lens.
You can see the result below.
Canon 100 Macro Distortion
Vignetting
Vignetting is slightly visible at f/2.8 which is the widest aperture.
Stop down to f/4 to reduce the vignetting significantly. Beyond this aperture, vignetting is non-existent.
See my vignetting test chart below.
Canon 100 Macro Vignetting
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration is extremely well controlled on this lens. It is not visible at any aperture and can safely be ignored.
See the chromatic aberration test result below.
Chromatic Aberration Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Negligible
(4) Very Low
(3) Low
(2) High
(1) Very High
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Chromatic Aberration
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/16 |
| 100mm | Negligible | Negligible | Negligible | Negligible | Negligible |
Build Quality
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Materials
High quality plastics with metal mounts.
Focusing
The focusing features on this lens is really amazing. First of all this lens has the IF mechanism (Internal Focus) which means it will not change dimension during focusing.
This is extremely rare for a macro lens.
The autofocus speed is blazingly fast and silent due to the USM motor. Canon did not stop here, however. They installed the focus limiter to prevent focus hunting when you are shooting non-macro shots. This is extremely helpful for sports photography.
The focusing ring is very smooth to operate and this is a true macro lens with 1:1 macro magnification ratio.
Image Stabilization
There is no Image Stabilization feature on this lens.
Compatibility
The EF designation means that this lens can be used with both cropped sensor and full frame DSLR such as Canon 5D Mark II
Sample Image
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Below are some sample shots that I took using this Canon 100 Macro lens. Click on any thumbnail to open the image.
Get the best price online from these sites: Amazon
Conclusion
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Here I will conclude this Canon 100 Macro lens review.
It is very difficult to find bad things about this lens because it is such an excellent one.
In term of sharpness, this lens is extremely sharp both on the borders and on the center at any aperture.
All the optical defects are kept to a very minimum degree. Distortion and chromatic aberration can be completely ignored.
Vignetting on the other hand, is slightly apparent at f/2.8 (which is typical). Stopping down to f/4 will eliminate it completely.
In terms of build quality, this lens is pretty decent. Although not an L lens, the build quality is good enough for most photographers.
Autofocusing is an aspect that really stands out from this lens. The USM motor is blazingly fast and accurate.
Canon was also being thoughtful by installing a focus limiter switch on this lens which makes this lens a joy to use for sports photography as well.
In conclusion, for the price, you really cannot go wrong with this lens.
Highly recommended.
Drawbacks
- Slightly visible vignetting at f/2.8 – stop down to f/4 to eliminate it completely
- No Image Stabilization
Positives
- Super sharp optics – excellent sharpness both on the center and borders
- Excellent distortion control
- Superb chromatic aberration control
- Great vignetting control (except at f/2.8)
- Good build quality
- Excellent value for money
Good For
- All around macro photography lens
- Portrait lens
- Sports photography
Not So Good For
- Shooting in extreme weather – this is where the L and IS version of this lens comes in (will be reviewed soon on this site)
What Others Are Saying…
by “Scott Burgess”
An excellent lens for the budding nature photographer! Prospective buyers of a macro lens for a Canon EOS system have a great first choice in this 100mm Macro. The extra length over a 50mm macro gives much better working distance (space between lens and subject) in the field…
Click here to see the full review
by “G. Clark”
Sharp, versatile and a bargain! The 100 f/2.8 macro is very sharp, even for general shooting, so it works great for portraits, too. When I’m not using a zoom, this is my walkaround lens for people, relatively tight scenes and even indoor sports…
Click here to see the full review
Where to Buy
Support this site, buy the Canon 100 Macro from these sites (best price online):
See the related lens review post below to see more Canon macro lens options.
Thank you for reading my Canon 100 Macro lens review and I hope you’ve found this post helpful.
| Lens Score | |
|---|---|
| Optical Quality | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | |
Tags: canon 100 macro
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