The Canon 100mm Macro IS lens is a very welcome update to the already excellent Canon 100mm Macro lens. You can get this lens from Amazon
This lens provides the two elements that are missing from the previous model: Solid build quality and Image Stabilization.
Canon throws in the L label on this lens and the build quality is simply superb. In addition, the Image Stabilization works well. I was able to get up to 3 to 4 extra f-stops with it.
The only catch here is the price. At around $999, it is significantly more expensive when compared to the older version.
I really think Canon updated this lens for specific photographers in mind: Macro photographers who often shoot portrait and sports. Both the IS and better build quality will surely appeal to those group.
If you only shoot macro and rarely shoot portrait and sports, you can save money by getting the Canon 100mm Macro instead.
You can read on my full Canon 100mm Macro IS review below to see if this is the right lens for you.
Specs • Performance • Sample Image • Conclusion • Where to Buy
Canon 100mm Macro IS Specs
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Official Name:
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM
Focal Length Markings:
100mm
Features:
EF – Electro Focus – Compatible with both full frame and cropped sensor DSLR camera.
L – Canon’s “L”uxury lens. The lens is a professional grade lens with superb build quality.
IS – Image Stabilization – Technology to reduce bulrriness caused by unsteady hands.
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 | 12 / 15 |
| Angle of View | 24° |
| Number of Blade Diaphragm | 9 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.3m |
| Filter Thread | 67mm |
| Weight | 625g |
| Dimension (Diameter x Length) | ø77.7 x 123mm) |
| Macro Magnification Ratio | 1:1 |
| Available at | Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama |
Optical Performance
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Canon 100mm Macro IS Sharpness
Center sharpness is excellent at any aperture, including the widest one (f/2.8).
Border sharpness is also very sharp at any aperture.
To get the maximum sharpness, shoot at f/5.6 on this Canon 100mm Macro IS lens.
Sharpness Scale (from Best to Worst):
(5) Excellent
(4) Great
(3) Good
(2) Fair
(1) Poor
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Center Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/11 | f/16 |
| 100mm | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Great | Great |
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Border Sharpness
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/11 | f/16 |
| 100mm | Great | Great | Excellent | Great | Great | Great |
Distortion
Since this is a macro lens, distortion can be completely neglected.
You will not be able to see it on this lens. See the distortion grid test result below.
Canon 100mm Macro IS Distortion
Vignetting
Vignetting is just slightly visible (barely noticeable) at f/2.8. Stop down to f/4 and it will disappear.
See my vignetting test chart below.
Canon 100mm Macro IS Vignetting
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration is very low at all apertures on this lens. It can safely be ignored at any apertures.
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/2.8L IS USM Chromatic Aberration
| Focal Length / Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/5.6 | f/8 | f/11 | f/16 |
| 100mm | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low |
Build Quality
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Materials
Superb high quality plastics with metal mount. The “L” designation speaks for itself.
Focusing
The focus ring is smooth and easy to operate. This lens features an IF (Internal Focusing) mechanism so the lens dimension does not change during focusing.
The USM (UltraSonic Motor) is very fast, accurate and silent. Canon also provides a three step focus limiter to even make the autofocus faster when shooting non-macro.
Although all these features are great, I still do manual focusing whenever shooting macro. Some people, especially the one who use this lens for portrait or sports photography will find those features helpful.
Image Stabilization
The Image Stabilization works well on this lens. I was able to get 3 to 4 extra f-stops from using the IS.
Compatibility
This is an EF lens which means you can use it for both cropped sensor (APS-C) DSLR camera and full frame DSLR camera such as Canon 5D Mark II
Sample Image
Back to: Menu • Introduction
Below are some sample shots that I took using this lens. Click on any thumbnail to open the image.
Get the best price online from these sites: Amazon
Conclusion
Back to: Menu • Introduction
The Canon 100mm Macro IS is simply a good update from the already excellent Canon 100mm Macro lens.
In terms of optical quality, it performs almost identical to the Canon 100mm Macro lens.
It is sharp both on the center and on the borders, have excellent distortion, chromatic aberration and vignetting control.
The extra comes in the build quality and image stabilization.
The build quality is simply superb, typical of a Canon L lens. The Image Stabilization is also excellent which offers up to 3 to 4 stops.
I really think Canon is making this lens for Macro users that shoot portrait or sports frequently. The addition of a better build quality and an Image Stabilization will surely satisfy those crowd.
Drawbacks
- More expensive than previous model
Positives
- Superb optical quality – very sharp on the center and borders
- Excellent distortion control
- Good vignetting control
- Very low chromatic aberration at any aperture
- Solid build quality, trademark of an L lens
- Fast, silent and accurate autofocus
- Good Image Stabilization performance
Good For
- Macro photographers who often shoot sports and portrait photography
Not So Good For
- Photographers that only shoot macro – the old Canon 100mm Macro lens will be a better option
What Others Are Saying…
by “Katherine”
I hardly ever write reviews but I felt that I really needed to write a quick note about how amazing this macro lens is. I used to be a Nikon gal until I sold my D300 for the Canon 7D. I also gave up my beloved…
Click here to see the full review
by “Electronics Kids”
I wasn’t certain this lens would be a good value or choice for an APS-C camera. Having recently purchased a 7D, I felt the focal length might be too long, but didn’t want the EF-S 60mm macro, when I expect…
Click here to see the full review
Where to Buy
Support this site, buy the Canon 100mm Macro IS from these sites (best price online):
Amazon (Best Price + FREE Shipping)
To see more related lens review, check out the post below.
Thank you for reading this Canon 100mm Macro IS review and I hope you find this post helpful.
| Lens Score | |
|---|---|
| Optical Quality | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | |
Tags: canon 100mm macro is
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