Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

• Specifications
• Reviews
• Sample Images
• Initial launch information.

This macro lens is the first to incorporate a new 'Hybrid' image stabilisation mechanism, correcting both shift and angular dispalcements of the camera during shooting.

As well as supporting macro photography up to x1 magnification, the lens is widely regarded as a medium telephoto, where its circular aperture and IS make it useful in available light portrait work.

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	100mm 1:2.8
Lens Construction	15 elements in 12 groups
Diagonal Angle of View	23.4°
Focus Adjustment	Inner focusing system with USM. Full-time manual focus available
Closest Focusing Distance	0.99 ft./0.3m (maximum close-up magnification: 1x)
Filter Size	67mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	3.1 x 4.8 in./77.7 x 123mm, 22.0 oz./625g

A quick guide to MTF charts (which only measure contrast and resolution. Canon's guide to their MTF charts) Black lines reflect lens performance at widest aperture. Blue lines show the performance at f/8 Thick lines indicate lens contrast Thin lines indicate lens resolution Dashed lines: Lens performance with meridional lines. Solid lines: Lens performance with sagittal lines Closer sagittal and meridional chart lines indicate more 'natural' out of focus areas. Remember that MTF charts are good for comparing similar lenses, so comparing ones from the 14mm f2.8L and 300mm 2.8L won't tell you much at all, whilst comparing the EF14 2.8L with the EF14 2.8L II will show meaningful differences. Note that other manufacturers may have different ways of displaying such information that may or may not match up with the Canon figures.

EF 100mm versions

Version	f/2.8 Macro	f/2.8 Macro USM	f/2.8L Macro IS USM	f/2.0 USM
Full frame	Yes
IS	No		Yes	No
USM	No	Yes
L-series	No		Yes	No
Diffractive Optics	No
Macro	Yes			No
Aperture (max-min)	f/2.8-f/32			f/2.0-f/22
Construction	9 groups / 10 elements	8 groups / 12 elements	12 groups / 15 elements	6 groups / 8 elements
Diaphragm blades	8		9	8
Closest focusing distance	12" / 310mm		11.88" / 302mm	35.43" / 900mm
Max. magnification	1:1			0.14x
Diagonal viewing angle	24°		23.4°	24°
Weight	1.43 lbs / 650g	1.32 lbs / 600g	1.38 lbs / 625g	1.01 lbs / 460g
Maximum diameter	2.95" / 75mm	3.1in / 79mm		2.95" / 75mm
Length	4.15in / 105.5mm	4.7in / 119mm	4.8in / 122mm	2.89in / 73.5mm
Filter diameter	52mm	58mm	67mm	58mm
Accessories
Lens hood	-	ET-67	ET-73	ET-65 III
Case	LP816	LP1219
Retail information
Release date	1990	2000	2009	1991
Currently in production?	No	Yes

EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM reviews and articles

• Canon UK / US Information Page
• Amazon
• Northlight Images
• Canon CPN article
• Fred Miranda
• Lens Tip
• Digital Picture
• PhotoZone
• SLR Gear
• Lens Review
• ePhotozine

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Sample images

Product launch

London, UK, 1st September 2009: Canon today announces the launch of the high performance EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, the latest addition to its prestigious L-series, Canon’s flagship professional lens range.

The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM incorporates image stabilisation in a macro lens for the first time in the EOS lens range. This enables photographers to capture stunning close-up shots without the need for a tripod.

The high quality, medium telephoto macro lens, has been developed for photographers who demand the highest level of optical quality. The new Hybrid IS system features up to 4-stop correction, compensating for the effects of camera shake, during normal shooting. Low friction ceramic balls support the moving elements, which allows for the amazingly smooth movement – needed when compensating for camera shake during macro shooting. Hybrid IS corrects shift movement – problematic when shooting up close -as well as angular movement providing photographers with the benefit of up to 2 stops at 1.0x magnification.

The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM features ultra low dispersion (UD) lenses that correct colour aberration for high resolution, high contrast images while the addition of Super Spectra coatings effectively reduce ghosting and flare for superior quality images. A nine blade circular aperture makes subjects stand out amid beautiful background blur and a silent, high-speed ring type USM Autofocus motor quickly achieves focus. The lens also includes a three position focus limiter to tailor the focus system range to the desired subject.

As part of the L-series the lens features dust and water resistant seals.

Sitting ahead of the EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, within the range, the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM supports a full range of accessories including: Tripod Mount D, Macro Lite adaptor 67, Lens Hood ET-73 and EF12 II and EF25 II extension tubes. The tripod mount attaches to the lens without the need for an adaptor enabling quick portrait or landscape switching without having to reframe the camera. Speedlites MR-14EX and MT-24EX can be attached using the MacroLite adaptor.