 |
|
|
caMARYnon
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Jan 29, 2013
Location: Romania
Posts: 7
|
|
Review Date: Apr 16, 2013
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
IQ, very fast focus (if you manualy position teh focus ring near 1:1 for macro shots or near infinit for non macro shots), very acurate focus, decent build quality
|
|
Cons:
|
nothing for the price, maybe some focus hunting in low light - but I had this issue with L variant too
|
|
|
|
|
 Apr 16, 2013
|
|
juankgigo
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Feb 17, 2013
Location: Costa Rica
Posts: 2
|
|
Review Date: Mar 7, 2013
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $485.00
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
Sharp, light, well built.
|
|
Cons:
|
No IS.
|
|
|
I red a lot of reviews before deciding on this lens. I did not wanted to spend a lot on the IS L version of this lens so I went for the cheaper one.
I guess I did the right choise since this lens offers a good compromise between image quality and price. I would like to add that this lens is also used as a portrait lens and really love to hear people saying ''wow'' when they see the sharpness and clarity this lens can provide.
|
|
|
Mar 7, 2013
|
|
bonjerdo
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Feb 14, 2011
Location: South Africa
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: Jun 21, 2012
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 8
|
|
Pros:
|
Images have a great bokeh and the lens is light and easy to use.
|
|
Cons:
|
Autofocus can be slow if you don't know how to use this lens
|
|
At 1st I thought that i had spent my money on the wrong item but i was looking at it all wrong. Sometimes you pick up a lens and you expect it to do things it wasn't built or designed for and as soon as i understood where this lenses strengths were It became a great asset to me.
If you get up real close and open the lens to 2.8 you will get a slither of field to play with, which works well for a number of things not just shooting bugs and stuff. You can get quite creative with this lens.
On the flip side i sold my 70-200 and needed a lens with some distance on it so i tried this lens to take photos of surfers and body boarders on a semi shore break. I was able to get close enough to warrant using 100mm's. It worked very well with the 1d mkIIn. Sharp images and once the autofocus was at the average focus distance it refocused at a blink of an eye on AI servo setting.
Great lens and lots of fun to use. For the price i would definitely recommend it.
Portrait sample http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonjerdo/7221266892/in/photostream
Close up sample
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonjerdo/6914944320/in/photostream
|
|
|
Jun 21, 2012
|
|
hokiejimbo
Offline
Buy and Sell: On
Registered: Aug 24, 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 10
|
|
Review Date: May 22, 2012
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $475.00
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
Smooth Focus, Great Sharpness
|
|
Cons:
|
Moderate focus speed
|
|
|
I've had this lens for about 3 years and didn't use it much on my Crop-sensor 40D or 7D but since getting the 5D MKII, I've used this a ton... fantastic IQ, great for portraits.
Build quality is really good. AF isn't as fast as some of my other lenses (L-glass, or the 50/1.4).
|
|
|
May 22, 2012
|
|
mel small
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Aug 22, 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 9
|
|
Review Date: Apr 11, 2012
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apr 11, 2012
|
|
nswelton
Offline
Image Upload: On
Registered: Jan 16, 2006
Location: N/A
Posts: 236
|
|
Review Date: Apr 11, 2012
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $450.00
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
sharp sharp sharp
|
|
Cons:
|
none
|
|
|
loved this lens, used it primarily for underwater macro images. i originally had a tamron macro but i bought this because it was far more quick to focus in lower light situations. very necessary for my underwater photography!
|
|
|
Apr 11, 2012
|
|
dimsonation
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Oct 30, 2010
Location: Israel
Posts: 5
|
|
Review Date: Apr 7, 2012
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
great IQ and contrast, good build, internal focus
|
|
Cons:
|
tripod collar
|
|
i bought this lens used, 2 weeks after getting my first DSLR. it's been in my possession for almost 5 years now and i still love it.
the compromise between minimal working distance and the weight, when compared against longer macro lenses in the 150-180mm range is great. the lens is compact, relatively light, and a pure joy to use
the only downside i found to this lens is the tripod collar design. now, while none of the 3rd party alternatives don't feature it, this is another plus, but the design is not the best. if not careful the collar will slip off. but it a very minor con, and in most scenarios you won't need a collar anyway
here are some images I've shot with this lens (click on the thumbnails):
http://www.photolight.co.il/category_macrophotos/gallery10086.html
|
|
|
Apr 7, 2012
|
|
FindingNature
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Sep 4, 2011
Location: France
Posts: 3
|
|
Review Date: Sep 4, 2011
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $500.00
| Rating: 8
|
|
Pros:
|
A bargain, sharp image, build quality, large and nice focusing ring
|
|
Cons:
|
maybe a bit heavy
|
|
If you want to jump into macro photography making compromise in image quality, this lens is the perfect choice, here is why:
- Very good image quality, L rated.
- Nice build quality.
- A joy to use the very large focusing ring.
- Pretty good for portrait too.
A couple of things:
- Don't think about doing macro photography without flash! we are using a 580EX II + pocketwizard.
- Prefer close-up lens (like the Canon 250D) than extension tubes, because they are much more easier to use (no need to get the lens out of the body) and you don't loose any light.
If you want to see real situation samples, check :
http://www.finding-nature.com
And join us on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Finding-Nature/206803999379616
The FInding Nature Team.
|
|
|
Sep 4, 2011
|
|
ken billington
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Dec 4, 2010
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: Dec 14, 2010
|
Recommend? |
Price paid: Not Indicated
|
|
Pros:
|
Fast focusing, non-extending or rotating, sharp images, excellent optical performance, practical minimum working distance (MWD) of 150mm.
|
|
Cons:
|
Build quality not as solid as L-Series lenses, No image stabilization.
|
|
Advantages
1) Fast Focusing - Utilizing the USM (Ultrasonic Motor), the Canon 100mm internally focuses very fast, quietly and very accurately.
2) Non-Extending or Rotating - When focusing at 1x subject distances, the lens does not extend, and the front element does not rotate.
3) Crisp and Sharp Images - the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens is sharp wide open. The tiniest details in your tiniest subjects will come to life with this lens.
4) Excellent Optical Performance - Flare is very well controlled. Color and contrast are excellent and distortion is negligible. Although vignetting is apparent at f/2.8, this rapidly disappears when the lens is stopped down.
5) Optimum Minimum Working Distance (MWD) - There are three macro lenses in Canon's range of USM lenses. The 60mm lens has a very short MWD of only 60mm, and insects may tend to scare and fly away prematurely. Conversely the 180mm lens has a MWD of 240mm, and at this distance insects are not really close enough. The EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens, on the other hand, has a MWD of 150mm, which is ideal for butterfly and insect photography.
Disadvantages
1) Medium Build quality - this USM Macro lens has a reasonable build quality although it's not quite as solid as the L-Series lenses.
2) No Image Stabilization - this lens does not feature the image stabilization present with the significantly more expensive Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens.
Summary
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens is a very good choice for macro photography of butterflies, insects or flowers. It offers excellent optical performance and middle-of-the-road working distance, size and weight. Check out my butterfly and insect photos on http://kenbillington.ch/photobank/Insects/
|
|
|
Dec 14, 2010
|
|
ken billington
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Dec 4, 2010
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: Dec 5, 2010
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
Fast focusing, non-extending or rotating, sharp images, excellent optical performance, practical minimum working distance (MWD) of 150mm.
|
|
Cons:
|
Build quality not as solid as L-Series lenses, No image stabilization.
|
|
Advantages
Fast Focusing - Utilizing the USM (Ultrasonic Motor), the Canon 100mm internally focuses very fast, quietly and very accurately.
Non-Extending or Rotating - When focusing at 1x subject distances, the lens does not extend, and the front element does not rotate.
Crisp and Sharp Images - the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens is sharp wide open. The tiniest details in your tiniest subjects will come to life with this lens.
Excellent Optical Performance - Flare is very well controlled. Color and contrast are excellent and distortion is negligible. Although vignetting is apparent at f/2.8, this rapidly disappears when the lens is stopped down.
Optimum Minimum Working Distance (MWD) - There are three macro lenses in Canon's range of USM lenses. The 60mm lens has a very short MWD of only 60mm, and insects may tend to scare and fly away prematurely. Conversely the 180mm lens has a MWD of 240mm, and at this distance insects are not really close enough. The EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens, on the other hand, has a MWD of 150mm, which is ideal for butterfly and insect photography.
Disadvantages
Medium Build quality - this USM Macro lens has a reasonable build quality although it's not quite as solid as the L-Series lenses.
No Image Stabilization - this lens does not feature the image stabilization present with the significantly more expensive Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens.
Summary
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens is a very good choice for macro photography of butterflies, insects or flowers. It offers excellent optical performance and middle-of-the-road working distance, size and weight.
Check out my butterfly and insect photos on http://kenbillington.ch/photobank/Insects/
|
|
|
Dec 5, 2010
|
|
John Wayne
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Oct 24, 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 0
|
|
Review Date: Oct 24, 2010
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
|
|
Pros:
|
Good sharp lens.
|
|
Cons:
|
Unable to use MR14EX ringlight with this lens with any filters on the lens.
|
|
|
I've owned this lens for around 5 years and it's been fairly dependable though I get pretty similar results using a zoom lens as a macro at times. My BIG complaint is that I cannot put any kind of filter on the lens and attach the MR14EX ringlight to the lens. There is a groove at the end of the lens into which the ringlight clips and with a filter present the clips cannot reach this groove and anchor the light.
Am I the only one noticing this problem? I've even had the Canon techs tell me this combination of lens, filter and light should work.
I've been trying to use polarizing filters on the light and lens to reduce glare off subjects. I'm tempted to go with a different light, MT024 EX, but wondering if I'll have the same problem of not being able to use the light on this lens with a filter on it.
Any suggestions?
|
|
|
Oct 24, 2010
|
|
Todd Klassy
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Sep 27, 2010
Location: United States
Posts: 288
|
|
Review Date: Oct 21, 2010
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $480.00
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
Sharp, good color and contrast, nice creamy bokeh, and excellent price.
|
|
Cons:
|
Build quality isn't on par with L lenses...but it's not a L-lens, is it?
|
|
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM is a fine lens, especially for the price, and has been the stalwart in Canon's line on lenses for many, many years. Though Canon has announced its new 100mm f/2.8L lens, its older predecessor is no slouch, even on cameras that have much larger sensors than when this lens was first released.
I've used this lens on a Canon EOS 20D, 50D, 5D, 5D Mark II, and 1D Mark III and it has never failed me. It is always in my camera bag and it is always manages to take exceptional macro photographs and fairly decent portrait shots that can rival those taken with the legendary Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM lens. Many amateurs see it only as a macro lens, but should be reminded that its larger aperture can isolate a subject in non-macro shots, too.
If you are an amateur photographer and you do not yet own a prime lens, this is probably the first lens you should get. You won't be disappointed with the images it helps create (which should be your primary criteria when choosing a lens).
Here are some examples of photographs I have taken with this lens:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/latitudes/3081572784/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/latitudes/343633778/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/latitudes/1985427515/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/latitudes/26586044/
|
|
|
Oct 21, 2010
|
|
webman06
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: May 21, 2004
Location: France
Posts: 50
|
|
Review Date: Jul 28, 2010
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
Very very sharp lens. Ideal for both Macrophotography but also portrait.
|
|
Cons:
|
None
|
|
|
Even if the new IS version is out, this lens is still a star performer. Great image quality, contrast and bokeh. Light and not that expensive ;-)
|
|
|
Jul 28, 2010
|
|
fairtex
Online
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Jun 29, 2009
Location: Germany
Posts: 60
|
|
Review Date: Jun 30, 2010
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
very sharp, fairly light, great bokeh
|
|
Cons:
|
not a thing
|
|
|
What a great lens!
The 100mm 2.8 USM is very sharp (most macro lenses are) and easy to use. It's amazingly light and built-quality is very good, although not on L-level. 100mm is a very good focal length for macro pictures, but you can also use it for close-up headshots.
Highly regarded!
If you're thinking about getting a macro lens, you'll likely to have to decide between this 100mm 2.8 USM and its 100mm 2.8 L IS - twin brother. Although I didn't test the 100mm L intensively, I don't think the addition of the IS is worth the price difference.
|
|
|
Jun 30, 2010
|
|
beeber00
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Jul 21, 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 741
|
|
Review Date: Jun 29, 2010
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $430.00
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
Fast, solid build, price, sharpness, doesnt extend, and my favorite part - can be shot wide open.
|
|
Cons:
|
What?
|
|
|
Wow, what a lens. If you want to shoot macro, this is the go-to. Other macro lenses may have positive reviews surrounding image sharpness, but thats what macro lenses are all known for - sharpness.
This lens beats out the others. The first reason is that when this lens goes into macro mode, it does not extend. Other lenses like the Sigmas will have the front barrel extend.
Another reason this lens is the shit is because it focuses in a heartbeat without making a sound. If youre coming from a non-usm lens, its just a luxury. This lens focused faster than two of my other USMs (20-35 and 85 1.8).
The build quality of this badboy is SOLID. You feel like youre holding a man's lens - nothing girly-man about it. It fits well on your camera, especially if you have a grip (or a pro body.. yea, its nice).
The filter size is a 58 - no 60$ filters!
It has a focus limiter switch. What that does is makes it so the lens won't accidentally go into macro mode if the switch is set, which can help if the lens hunts (in low light).
The manual focus ring is refreshing too. Real nice.
The lens is the sharpest Ive seen of any lens Ive used, and its still the case when I shoot at f2.8. This ability is one of my favorite qualities of the lens. I've owned other lenses with a fast aperture, but you generally don't shoot at them because the quality is better stopped down. Why buy a fast lens if you stop it down all the time anyway? With this lens, 2.8 looks great! (I use a 1d 2)
For those newer to photography (or newer to buying new lenses that may seem expensive), Ive been in your shoes. I was happy with my 50 1.8 lens - a 90$ deal. A 400+$ lens was a lot for me, but when you read other users saying things like 'worth every penny', they mean it. Go spend the money on this lens! You'll be happy that you did. Hundreds of others on this website were. You could even buy one from them! Check out the B / S board here and support Fred Miranda.
- The negatives (for some) -
The lens is a fixed 100mm. We know that coming in. The fact that it doesnt zoom should not be counted against it. You have to work with your feet. Be creative. You can't easily shoot indoors on a 1.6 body. Also, 2.8 is a PLUS, not a minus. If this was f2, well.. they make an f2, so buy that one if you want, but 2.8 is perfect on this lens. Lastly, primes are better, get used to it.
I dont think I left anything out. If I did, sue me.
|
|
|
Jun 29, 2010
|
|
dustnet
Offline
Image Upload: Off
Registered: Jul 30, 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 5
|
|
Review Date: May 25, 2010
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $500.00
| Rating: 9
|
|
Pros:
|
A bargain, sharp image, build quality, large and nice focusing ring
|
|
Cons:
|
maybe a bit heavy
|
|
If you want to jump into macro photography without making your banker angry and making compromise in image quality, this lens is the perfect choice, here is why:
- Almost half the price of the IS version (and even more if you get a nice used one).
- Very good image quality, L rated.
- Nice build quality.
- A joy to use the very large focusing ring.
- Pretty good for portrait too.
A couple of things:
- Don't think about doing macro photography without flash! I'm personally using a 580EX II + pocketwizard.
- Prefer close-up lens (like the Canon 250D) than extension tubes, because they are much more easier to use (no need to get the lens out of the body) and you don't loose any light.
If you need real world samples, just check my website and blog:
http://photography.emmanuelrondeau.com
http://blog.emmanuelrondeau.com
Emmanuel.
|
|
|
May 25, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reviews
|
Views
|
Date of last review
|
|
206
|
459614
|
Apr 16, 2013
|
|
|
Recommended By
|
Average Price
|
|
95% of reviewers
|
$470.83
|
|
|
Build Quality Rating
|
Price Rating
|
Overall Rating
|
|
9.12
|
9.24
|
9.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
