Primarily designed for close-up shooting, the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM from Canon is a versatile L-series short telephoto prime that is also well-suited for portraiture and other mid-range subjects. As a macro lens, however, this 100mm offers a life-size, 1:1 maximum magnification and an 11.8" minimum focusing distance. Complementing close-up shooting, an Image Stabilizer is featured that minimizes camera shake by two stops at full 1:1 magnification, or up to four stops at lower magnifications for sharper handheld shooting. Also contributing to smooth and intuitive handling, a ring-type USM and internal focusing design offers quick, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. In regard to its optical assets, one ultra-low dispersion element is featured, to control color fringing and chromatic aberrations, and a Super Spectra coating has been applied to suppress flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity. Additionally, as an L-series lens, this 100mm f/2.8 is weather-sealed for working in inclement conditions.

EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format    Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/32    One Ultra-Low Dispersion Element    Super Spectra Coating    1:1 Magnification, 11.8" Min. Focus    Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System    Focus Range Limiter    Optical Image Stabilizer    Weather-Sealed Construction    Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Short telephoto prime is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, however can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 160mm equivalent focal length.

Ideal for macro shooting, this lens offers a life-size 1:1 maximum magnification along with a minimum focusing distance of 11.8" to suit working with close-up subjects.

One ultra-low dispersion (UD) element greatly reduces chromatic aberrations and color fringing for improved clarity and color accuracy.

Super Spectra coating has been applied to individual elements to minimize ghosting and flare for greater contrast and color neutrality when working in strong lighting conditions.

An Optical Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake to better enable working in low-light conditions and with slower shutter speeds. The effectiveness of this system compensates for up to two stops of camera shake at 1:1 magnification, three stops at 1:2 magnification, and four stops at lower magnifications.

A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), and internal focusing design, is employed to deliver fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override.

Focus Limiter switch lets you constrain the focusing to three different ranges for faster focusing performance: 11.8"-1.6', 1.6'-infinity, and the full 11.8"-infinity range.

Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.

As a member of the esteemed L-series, this lens is sealed against dust and moisture for working in inclement environmental conditions.

Optional rotating tripod collar is available and benefits working with the lens atop a tripod or monopod.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is the advantage of the focusing limiter feature when there doesn't seem to be much difference in closeup distance of 1' or 1.6'? Both focus to infinity but I can't seem to figure out what the advantage of one is over the other. I've switched between both using AF and MF but don't seem to see how the image is different from the other.

A: If you're using autofocus, it decreases the range that the lens has to focus with to come into focus. You're limiting either on the short or the far side, and because of the broad focusing range that the lens has on its own, it gives you a shorter working distance so as to decrease the battery consumption of the camera.

Q: 2. Can you use this lens with an extension tube as well, for even greater magnification?

A: I purchased the Canon Extension Tube EF 12 II to go with this macro lens. I use them on a Canon 7D. The extension tube / macro lens combination requires manual focusing for getting really close shots of subjects but I have had a lot of fun experimenting and learning as I go.

Q: 3. I've been reading lots of reviews on Macro lenses in the 90-105mm focal length, and I seem to sense that in this focal length range the better it is to look for one with image stabilization. There'll be times when I can use a tripod and not need it, but I like to be able to handhold when I'm out hiking and don't want to lug a tripod with me. I usually stick with Canon lenses since I have an EOS 70D, but I also like affordability. What would be your recommendation between a Sigma macro lens with OS and a Tamron macro with VC in the focal length range I'm interested? I'm pretty sure I want to do more in the macro field as I look for new areas to try and think that I'd feel better about using a designated lens over a close-up lens.

A: Sigma and Tamrons macro lenses in this category are both honestly excellent options. I would have no issues having either in my own kit bag. Of the two I more commonly have used the Tamron in the past for my needs, as I like their sharpness and color rendition. The lens is well constructed and focuses quickly.

Q: 4. when used on a crop sensor (7D Mark 2) would this lens still produce a 1:1 ratio or would it be more like 1:1.6 or something? sorry I'm new to macro and trying to figure this stuff out.

A: The ratio will still be 1:1 when this lens is used on a crop sensor camera.

Q: 5. can this lens duplicate slides?

A: Not the best way to do it. Get a good scanner or a Slide Copier.

Q: 6. I am looking to replace the front lens cap for this lens. What size do I need?

A: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens has a 67mm front thread accesories to attach lens caps, filters and other accesories.

Q: 7. Can you use this lens with canon 7d?

A: Yes you can

Q: 8. Can canon Ef 100mm f2.8 Marco USM lens use with canon EOS 5D Mark 4?

A: Yes EF lenses are compatible with the 5d Mark IV.

Q: 9. Canon EOS Rebel T2i isn't specifically listed in the compatibility screen. Can anyone confirm compatibility?

A: This lens is compatible with Canon T2i

Q: 10. Is this lens compatible with the canon rebel xsi camera?

A: It is :)