Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens Review


Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens

Several months ago, Canon, a reputable camera and camera optics solutions designer and manufacturer announced the birth of a new image stabilization technology that would revolutionize how we zoom into our photos. Even though this stabilizer will not really change how you shoot your long distance photos, it has a great impact on how your close range photos making it a perfect add on to macro shooting.

Needless to say, Canon debuted this amazing technology in a 100mm macro, the EF 100mm F2.8L IS USM Macro. Though slightly more expensive than its predecessor, the EF 100mm F2.8 USM Macro, the F2.8 L IS is a robust innovation that will not only survive harsh treatment but also has the right glass to deal with all your aberration problems.

With its optical set up of 15 elements put together in 12 groups and a low dispersion glass element, this new lens will achieve maximum magnification over a focus distance of a mere 0.3m. With all this power, you do not have to waste minutes zooming in and out to capture that historic moment. You have the power you need to zoom in and out for perfect shots on a dime.

As the current flagship of the L badge class, Canon is confident that the IS technology will give it an edge over its competitors as the best all time lens designer and manufacturer. Currently, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens comes with an inner focus system that is USM enabled with a full time manual focus system and a 67mm filter.

With its IS technology, the lens can leverage the ideal four step advantage for long focus distances. This will drop down to three stops at 0.5x and a mere two stops at full 1x magnifications. Despite all the hype around the prowess of the IS system, many will argue that all the other specs match what predecessor IS system enabled lenses have on offer.

Even though Canon claims that you can use the camera for stunning close up shots without the need of the tripods, something that very stable handed camera men have proved to be true, not very many people think that it is worth the extra bucks. Those who are not bothered by their tripods feel cool with the non-stabilized predecessors while those who are ever on the move and can’t take the extra weight have no option but to shift to the new model.

In essence, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens is a perfect solutions for professionals who want breathtaking photos no matter what. You do not have to take hours to set the camera, and you do not have to learn rocket science to operate the lens. Shooting photos has never been simple and easy as this new Canon lens is bound to make it be once you have it in your hands

Pros

Perfect for close up fast motion photos
Quick zoom in and Zoom out Speeds
Low dispersion glass elements for reduced spherical aberration
Robust and sturdy body

Cons

With a steady hand, the IS system improvement could be negligible
Slightly pricey than other equally powerful solutions