Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Lens

Optical quality has become more and more of an issue as digital sensors are more dense with any new release and already surpassing standard film grain. Hence the sharpness (a.k.a. contrast) of a lens is more important than ever. Prime lenses are at an advantage as moving parts are kept to a minimum and overall precision is almost automatically improved over zoom lenses. Further 1:1 macro capability is easier to achieve without having to worry about zoom mechanisms.


IN A NUTSHELL

The EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens from Canon is one of the most regarded 1:1 Macro lenses this company has to offer. Independent lens test also consistently confirm that the offering is one of the best 100mm lenses in the lineup of any manufacturer for the EF mount. Combine that with a few offers for under $500 and the resistance to buying this lens starts crumbling like the Berlin Wall in 1989. ;-)

But seriously, Canon full frame shooters are well served with this lens as it's able to achieve that 1:1 magnification (hence Macro) and as a prime lens produces very sharp images. It doesn't get Canon's prestigious "L" nomenclature as it doesn't have the professional build quality or Low Dispersion lens elements. Being a Prime, sharpness is excellent and in many ways out-resolves my EOS 5D Mark II (21 MPx) without problem for f/4 to f/16. Build quality is still solid and overall handling great.


DETAILS

Optics: [****-] This is often a surprise for anybody using a prime lens for the first time. Yes, the absence of zoom mechanism and elements allows the lens to be more precise as it's easier to optimize for one focal length. Ultimately, distortion is kept to a minimum and sharpness is extremely high. Chromatic aberration and flare are well controlled and the Bokeh is pleasing. Still, laws of physics apply for this lens as well and it becomes relatively soft at f/22 and severely soft at f/32 which counters the intent of getting maximum DOF by providing a relatively mushy picture across. For most uses that may be unacceptable.

Macro: [*****] The magnification of 1:1 or 100% reflects the lens' ability to project an object in life-size onto the sensor. What that means in terms of the actual picture of course depends on sensor size and resolution. For my FF sensor, that means a 35 mm object fits diagonally onto the sensor and will occupy the full picture, while on a 50D it would allow for a 24mm object to do the same. (Slight advantage for the APS-C sensor due to the higher density!) Either way, this means that bees and other objects in that size range can be captured with roughly the full resolution the camera does provide. Of course Depth of Field turns out to be extremely small (under 1 mm at 1:1 with f/2.8). Usage of extension tubes (i.e. 12 mm) increases the magnification beyond 100% at the expense of restricting the far field.

Portrait: [****-] The focal length of 100mm provides a flattering perspective for portraits and works well enough. Since this lens doesn't provide any IS, it's best to use with a tripod or in bright light, even if the maximum aperture of f/2.8 makes this a relatively fast lens. Having multiple subjects in one portrait eliminates the use of f/2.8 anyway as it becomes extremely hard to get both in focus (if desired). Overall it's quite a capable portrait lens, as long as a fast enough shutter speed can be used to eliminate camera shake and you're mobile enough (foot zoom) to compensate for the single focal length. That makes it a more difficult lens to take for events, but in a studio it's not that critical. For events where position is more variable, a fast zoom lens (i.e. EF70-200mm f2.8L IS USM) is much easier to work with, and also provides the IS system.

Ergonomics: [****-] The lens is relatively long, at least in comparison to the relatively diminutive EF-S 60mm f/2.8 lens. The wide focal adjustment ring is easy to hold and use. The lens can be prevented from using the Macro range in order to help speed up the focus finding in difficult situations. A switch allows to use either full range or non-Macro only. (The Macro is much finer and the very blurred OOF picture makes it very difficult for the AF to determine which way to go, the switch can restrict that and speed up focus tremendously.) Both ring and switches are in typical positions and of typical shape and function. The ring is very wide which assists manual focus better but doesn't do anything for AF. Weight is relatively low and should not have an impact of its usage. (Unlike the EF70-200 f2.8L IS USM!)

Build: [****-] I mentioned already that this isn't the same sturdy build as typically found in "L" lenses. That doesn't mean it's bad or flimsy, and overall the EF100 mm lens holds up very well. It doesn't provide seals, in case you were thinking to use it in bad weather (dust or moisture). The internal focus is standard, and provides non-rotating front elements and also does not change the position of that element -- a crucial feature for macro photography. My first copy had an inaccessible piece of lint inside the lens which wasn't visible in pictures, but I exchanged it anyway for peace of mind.

Value: [****-] At $490 lowest street price, this lens isn't exactly cheap but relatively speaking quite competitively priced when taking alternatives into consideration. Like most good quality lenses, this EF100mm holds its value well over time and it's relatively hard to find a used one for much less money. Of course the usage and the value to you depends on your needs. It enables Macro if you need it, but it also keeps the portrait photographer on his toes due to the lack of zoom.

2009, theuerkorn