DLRogers Loc: NY Fingerlakes

Hi,

Has anyone had experience with this lens? If so, please post your thoughts.

Thanks

DL

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

It is one of Canon's best non 'L' lenses. When our daughter graduated from HS in 2012 I bought her a camera and assortment of lenses including the then-current edition of this lens but she never got into macro photography. So when she went off to UCLA and then to Medical School at UVA I inherited the lens to go with my 180 Macro.

I sometimes use it for Hummingbirds at the feeder, sit in a lawn chair quietly and still about 8' away and take pictures like this:
It also does great macro, I used it a lot when I was experimenting with focus stacking.

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DLRogers Loc: NY Fingerlakes

Hi

Thanks for your input. By the eay, I think it id an "L" lens.

Would you go with the 100 or 180?

Either way, you probably cost me $1200.

Anyone else have a comment?

DL

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Great lens! It's the newest one for Canon DSLRs. I tried, but didn't buy one.

The previous "USM" model is also excellent, but doesn't have IS and isn't designated an "L" series lens. That's okay because it's built like an L, even if it doesn't have the red stripe. I've used one for many years and saw no reason to update to the L/IS version you're asking about. (There was an even earlier non-USM model... I've never used it, but suspect it's a rather slow focusing lens.)

Nice thing about the Canon 100mm macro lenses is that they can optionally be fitted with a tripod mounting ring. No other macro shorter than 150mm that I'm aware of has that option. Even the newest RF 100mm has the same option (that lens is unique in that it goes to 1.4X magnification... where the others are 1.0X). In fact, the tripod ring and the fact that I use my 100mm macro on either a tripod or a monopod most of the time anyway is one reason I didn't feel the need to buy the L/IS version when it came out. The image quality of both lenses is among the best.

I have five or six macro lenses, but the 100mm is easily my most used. The others are rather specialized (incl. 65mm MP-E and EF 180mm L). The 100mm is much more "general purpose" macro. It's long enough to give reasonably good working distance from subjects, without being so long that it's really hard to get a steady shot and depth of field gets super shallow, like it is with longer macro focal lengths.

If you get the 100 L/IS at a good price, you'll enjoy it I'm sure.

Consider buying used or refurbished to save some money. You can find the 100 L/IS for under $1000 used. Or, Canon USA has it refurbished for $1039. (I've only bought a couple items refurbished from them, but everything has been "like new" and has the same warranty as new.) Or, if you were to consider the earlier version (not L and no IS... but has USM), in top condition those sell used for about half the price or the L/IS version. KEH has "like new with caps and hood" for $450.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I've had the non-L 100mm f/2.8 macro and now the 180L macro. From images I've seen of the 100L macro, this lens is amazing. The non L is everywhere as good, but lacking the IS support. The 180L is also amazing except for the AF performance. The lens will hunt. When it grabs focus, you get results where people claim it might be Canon's sharpest EF lens ever. But, on moving subjects, you can miss as many shots as you capture while the lens racks back n forth trying to determine what / where to focus. Having used 60mm and 100mm macros on both cropped and full-frame bodies, I like the longer 180mm focal length on my full-frame body.

If looking at the non L 100mm macro, keep in mind the tripod collar and the hood for this model are sold separately. Get a used copy where someone else has purchased these items and they're included in the used sales price.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

I have that lens and love it. You can even use it for portraits if you like. Here's a couple shots I took with it.

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foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

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DaveJ Loc: NE Missouri

It is a very good lens. I would also recommend looking for a used copy. Lots are showing up in the $750-800 range on sites like UHH for sale forum and other hobbyist sites. I have bought and sold here on UHH with excellent results.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I own the lens and like others am very pleased with the results. I bought the L version to get the IS. It’s currently available on the Canon refurb site for $1039. I would definitely also investigate other used like MPB, KEH, etc. Also, occasionally here and fredmiranda.com

Dwiggy Loc: Dunedin, FL

I likewise use the non L 100mm macro and it is terrific! Bought mine here on UGG a couple of years ago with great success and a good price!

MJPerini

I own the L version which I bought after a much older non-L version could not be repaired (internal focusing parts no longer available) Both lenses were Very sharp, the newer one has better build quality. For most things I would highly recommend it. For studio macro the 180 has the advantage of allowing more space for lighting & reflectors because of its greater working distance. The Latest 100 f/2.8 L is top notch in every way.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

The 100mm Macro f/2.8 has been made in both 'L' and non 'L' versions. Both are very good.

DLRogers Loc: NY Fingerlakes

Hi All,

Thanks for your input! It has made my decision very easy.

I checked the classified thread; over 400 pages,and no search engine? Or, did I miss something?

So long,

DLR

DaveJ Loc: NE Missouri

Look at the top of this page. There is a link that says Search. Click it. HTH.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

I bought new the EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM a few years ago. Used it one time and it has sat on the shelf, in the box, ever since. No problem with the lens. I have no idea why, but, after getting the lens and using it that one time my interest in Macro photography died, plus, I had enough other lenses that I didn't feel the need to use it in other ways. Been planning to sell it since I have made the switch to an R5 and RF lenses but just haven't done anything in that regard yet. If you are interested PM me. For all intents and purposes it is brand new.