subject: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Review [print this page] Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Review
Prospective consumers of a macro lens for a Canon EOS system have a good 1st alternative during this 100mm Macro. the additional length over a 50mm macro provides far better operating distance (space between lens and subject) within the field, and EOS-compatible lenses by different makers match poorly with accessories and are nowhere close to as sharp.
Compared with the sooner Micro Motor 100mm Macro that Canon created (which I conjointly own), the USM lens focuses *very* quick. The USM lens can also settle for Tripod Collar B (by use of atiny low plastic adapter)--I advocate you purchase the collar with the lens, as adjusting to a vertical composition with a tripod means that repositioning everything. The front component isn't recessed within the USM model, that makes lens cleaning easier than with its predecessor. And build quality is improved--the earlier model was vulnerable to its switches breaking (could fix it yourself with the ordered half, however extremely annoying) and eventually the Micro Motor gearing gave out (no hassle up to now with the USM ring motor). The USM model can work with Canon's 2x teleconverter by interposing a 12mm extension tube, permitting 2x magnification with millions of operating distance, though this is often not nearly as nice an answer because the 180mm lens referenced below.
I will quibble with another reviewer--Canon will build sharper lenses, and sharpness compared with the sooner model is just about a similar. however this is often still one in all the sharpest lenses you'll be able to obtain, and ergonomically an enormous improvement over its predecessor.
Having said that, Canon currently has an L-series 100mm macro that's a little sharper and has higher bokeh (out-of-focus highlights). a significant hobbyist would possibly think about that lens, though it prices concerning four-hundredth additional on the road. I purchased the Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro Lens but a year ago, and am terribly impressed with its bigger sharpness and dealing distance relative to the present lens. If you're employed a lot of with little critters, take a glance at that lens before creating an acquisition. If you're build up a collection of lenses for outdoor/nature photography and you are doing occasional macrophotography, this may be the primary or second lens to shop for. If you're employed considerably at magnifications bigger than 1:1, think about the Canon 65mm 1x-5x Macro zoom.
See Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras