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