Which macro lens is better, the Canon 100 f/2.8 or the Canon 100 f/2.8L?
Macro lenses are designed to bring little things into full-sized view, like insects or the stamens of a flower, or shimmering drops of water. They enable you to get up close and intimate, and create images in a way the naked eye can't see them.
The question is which compact lens is the one for you?
If you have a Canon digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera, there are currently six Canon macro lenses on the market for you to choose from. The cheapest of these is the EF 50mm f/2.5 compact macro, which has a recommended retail price of US$299.99. The most expensive is the EF 180mm f/3.5L macro USM, with a recommended price tag of US$1,579.00. The others are priced in between, although of course all prices are in fact determined by dealers and not by the manufacturer.
There are two 100mm genuine Canon macro lenses, the EF 100mm f/2.8 macro USM (US$599.99) and the EF 100mm f/2.8L macro IS USM (US$1,049.00). Both are standard EF (electro-focus) lenses that have a true ring UltraSonic motor (USM) that enables it auto focus more quickly than a standard lens. Both offer the same focal length and maximum aperture, namely 100mm 1:2.8
So if you are working on price alone, you'll most likely choose the f/2.8. But before you make that decision, compare the two lenses to see why the f/2.8L costs more.
The Canon 100 f/2.8
When this lens was launched, it was the first lens in its class to feature inner focusing, meaning that even when shooting at life size the lens length doesn't change. Unless you have a less-than-steady hand, which invariably results in noticeable camera shake, you will be able to produce super-sharp images. And if you are a little shaky, you can always use a tripod.
This lens offers up to life-size (1x) magnification. While the ring USM provides silent, high-speed auto focusing, there is also the facility to focus manually. Its closest focusing distance is 310mm or 12 inches. Many people also use it for portrait shots.
Lens construction specifications are 12 elements in 8 groups. Its filter size is 58mm (about 2.3 inches).
The lens has a diameter of 79mm or 3.1 inches and it is 119mm or 4.7 inches long. It weighs 600g or 21.1 oz.
The Canon 100 f/2.8L
Newer and undeniably better, this lens is Canon's first mid-telephoto lens that incorporates its powerful hybrid image stabilization technology. The advantage of this is that it compensates for camera shake when you are shooting close-up, making it easier to use successfully. Like its predecessor, it has an inner focusing system with ring USM as well as the option of full-time manual focus. It has three focusing ranges and its closest focusing distance is 300mm or 11.8 inches, which is slightly closer than the 100mm f/2.8.
The result of this improved technology is that you will be capable of achieving super-super-sharp images and creating amazing close-up photographs. Like the ordinary 100 f/2.8, it can also be used for portraiture.
Not surprisingly, lens construction specs are better than the 100 f/2.8, with 15 elements in 12 groups. It also has a slightly larger filter – 67mm (about 2.6 inches).
This lens is slightly longer than its predecessor – 123mm or 4.8 inches – and it weighs 25g, little less than an ounce more. It is the same diameter in size.
Ultimately, this is an L-series lens, which means that it is in a superior class to other lenses of its type. Officially the "L" stands for luxury, but it is a symbol that is also considered to indicate that the lens is suitable for professional use. It is one of only two L-series macro lenses currently manufactured by Canon.