Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Announced August 31, 2009
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is a sharp, high-quality lens that excels in both macro and portrait photography. While the integrated hybrid image stabilization is highly effective for handheld work, its performance diminishes at extremely close focusing distances.
Weighted from 22 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness and image quality
- Highly effective hybrid image stabilization
- Fast, silent, and accurate autofocus
- Excellent bokeh and minimal distortion
- Solid, weather-resistant build quality
Cons
- Build quality feels plasticky despite L-series branding
- Noticeable vignetting and corner softness at f/2.8
- High price point compared to non-stabilized alternatives
- Issues with lens hood design and focus breathing
- Reduced stabilization effectiveness at close macro distances
- Launch price $1,049 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 100mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Canon EF Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS, 4 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus 30 cm (1x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Ring-type ultrasonic
- Weight & size 625g (1 lb 6 oz) · 77.7 x 123 mm (3.06 x 4.84 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 22 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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There’s little doubt that, all round, this is one of the very finest lenses we’ve seen – optically it’s superb, and operationally it works very well too, with fast and positive autofocus, and one of the most effective image stabilization systems currently available.
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The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM L IS macro is a very fine lens and a welcome new option in the market.
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It’s rare to find a macro lens that doesn’t perform admirably during a lens test and so I wasn’t surprised that the EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM performed almost flawlessly.
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The improvements in this lens, especially the Hybrid IS, go a long way toward increasing the fun-ness. And the results are definitely fun-inducing. This is a highly recommended lens.
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At the end of the day, if you're looking for a practical lens that's also lots of fun and also quite useful for video work, then the Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM lens is simply a classic. Have fun with it; it comes highly recommended.
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This new 100mm macro lens from Canon is a no-compromise optic worthy of the 'L-series' designation.
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The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM may not be the company's top of the line macro lens, but it does capture sharp images with 1:1 magnification.
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The Canon EF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM is a reasonably priced lens with sometimes excellent sharpness, an effective image stabilisation system and near-perfect control over distortion.
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Given that if you're going to be shooting a lot of handheld macro shots with this camera then investing extra into this L lens is definitely something that you would need to consider.
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The Canon Macro Lens EF 100mm 1: 2.8 L IS USM is a very good professional-grade lens.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
A high-quality macro lens with specially-designed image stabilisation plus dust- and moisture-resistant sealing.
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I really think it can be worth your while saving up the extra and getting this lens. Once you’ve got it for life and you'll never need another macro lens again because it’s that good and with that stabilisation it really is offering you an awful lot.
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These caveats aside, if you're looking for one telephoto to put in your bag that will do everything well, this is it.
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I don’t always advocate buying the more expensive piece over the lesser one – though I rarely regret it when I do – but I wouldn’t even consider the 100mm f/2.8 macro. Go straight for the 100mm f/2.8 L IS and experience lens perfection.
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The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM macro is an excellent lens. The lens lives up to the expectations of the L Series in all areas, except maybe build quality.
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For photographers looking to get high-quality photos of small subjects – whether that’s food items, flowers, jewelry, tiny products, or something else – this lens is a great choice.
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The first thing to say about this lens is that it is extremely fun to use. I’m not a regular macro shooter but I found myself looking for photos that I wouldn’t normally try to shoot.
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The lens is sharp as tacks, has very nice smooth bokeh and it will almost certainly double as a great portrait lens too, as did its predecessor, but I’ll report back on this later as I do some portrait work with it.
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If you need a stellar macro lens for your Canon camera, and would also like it to double up as an effective portrait lens, then this is it!
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The Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro is a surprisingly sharp lens with one killer feature: image stabilization. For handheld macro work, there is nothing that compares.
- Photo Feaver 39/50
I was really impressed by the image quality. I must say for a price point of just 499 pounds a lens of this sharpness is definitely worth a spot in your camera bag and with an overall score of 39 out of 50 this is a recommended lens to have in your camera bag.
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[T]his lens was a beauty to use for the price point for both shooting runway photography and still portrait street style shots.
