Binoculars(35)
Calculators(12)
Camcorders(822)
Copiers & Fax(200)
EOS Cameras(5,563)
PowerShot Cameras(5,908)
Printers & Multifunction(5,108)
Scanners(487)
Shop Now At Canon
Shop Lenses or
Choose a Category
Top-Rated Products
Customer Reviews for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Mid-telephoto macro lens includes Canon's Hybrid Image Stabilization Technology
Compensates for both angular and shift camera vibration
Full-time manual focus, and life-size close-up capabilities
Near silent internal focusing system with USM
Average Customer Rating:
(52 Reviews) 52
Rating Snapshot (52 reviews)
5 stars
44
4 stars
4
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
2
46 out of 52(88%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Review 1 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: Easybaydoc
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
Excellent product
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:June 8, 2013
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Super-sharp images
Cons: occasional wrong focus
Overall this is an excellent lens. It shows great details and expresses full potential as a macro L lens. Job well done, Canon! Although it's slightly pricey, it's worth every penny. It occasionally focuses on an undesired area of the object on auto mode, but by switching to manual mode will fix the problem. It's also good for portrait shooting as well.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 2 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: Indy
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 11 to 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
Awesome Lens!
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:May 8, 2013
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, geat bokeh, hand-holdable for close-ups
Cons: lacks a tripod collar
I am surprised at some of the recent reviews of this lens. I think the lens itself is near perfect as a carry-every-day close-up/macro lens. While using this in the field, it is light weight for its reach and aperture, a perfect focal length for working distance and portability, and the AF and IS are both excellent. Very sharp images and excellent bokeh, rivaling that of the excellent (but less field flexible) 180mm macro. Sometimes I go hiking with my kids, and they have no patience for time-consuming tripod set-ups. No worries! The IS on this lens is so good, you can get a high keeper rate hand-holding – just be a little discerning with what you are taking. Handholding, you might not get that true 1:1 macro head shot of a snail, but you can get awesome close-up, frame-filling shots you won’t get without an IS macro lens. On days without the kids, I carry along a macro-oriented tripod, switch off the AF, and get super tack sharp images in all sorts of lighting conditions. Some have commented on the use of plastic on this lens. True, but the plastic here is of a much higher quality than a standard lens, it has a great feel to it, and adds to the lenses ease of use through lighter weight. I have found everything about it’s construction to be top notch. I have but one complaint and one warning. The lens does NOT come with a tripod collar, which is a huge shortcoming for any serious tripod-based macro photography. You will have to buy the tripod collar separately. And if you plan to use one of Canon’s excellent macro ring lighting systems, you will need a step-down adapter, as the macro ring and the barrel diameter of this lens are not the same. Canon makes a solution for both, but really – no excuse for not including the tripod collar. The lens itself, however, is simply fantastic – thumbs way up!
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 3 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: b4noesis
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: No
Faulty Focus
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
2
out of
5
Price/Value
1
out of
5
Quality
2
out of
5
Satisfaction
1
out of
5
Date:March 28, 2013
Cons: Poor build quality, poor manual mode
Repeatedly the salesperson tried to reset my camera settings for all Auto. I explained I shoot in Manual Mode and preset the camera for each shoot. After clearing most Custom Settings, he handed the camera to me in frustration. After using this new purchase, I understand his frustration. There is little-to-no control in Manual focus mode. Each shoot requires an exposure/focus lock-up or the lens slips out of focus. This lens is heavy, the subject depth of field near irrelevant, and the focal length frustratingly impossible for clean, sharp lines. Lens action requires swift zoom x5, x10 in viewfinder to assure clarity after locking drive. Restart process if not clear. Too much work!
5 of 27 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 4 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: PJC
Location: Fargo, ND
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: No
Plastic, plastic, plastic!
Overall Rating
Features
4
out of
5
Performance
3
out of
5
Price/Value
2
out of
5
Quality
2
out of
5
Satisfaction
3
out of
5
Date:January 1, 2013
Cons: Semi-sharp images, Poor build quality, overpriced!
Having owned many Canon lenses (25+) over the past 30 years, this lens is by far the one that uses the lowest grade of materials at this price. The plastic is so thin that if you pinch the focus ring while manual focusing, it sticks! Even the lens barrel flexes! Very cheesy! Does it really deserve the 'L" series designation? You be the judge. If fact, when my lens arrived new in the box, the image stabilization elements were "floating" around loose inside the lens. I found out later that this is caused by removing the lens from a camera before the IS motors have shut off. QC problem from Canon? Did a lens to lens test against my superbly built 70-200 f/2.8L IS II lens, and found the zoom to be better at all settings except macro, of course. So, don't buy this if you don't need it much for macro. Consider the supurb 100mm f/2, at less than half the price if you just do portraits and such.
14 of 20 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 5 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: Bugsy
Location: Waldport, Oregon
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
Truely Outstanding Lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:December 28, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, fantastic color and contrast
I have had this lens for 6 months and have shot a range of subjects from tree moss to car shows and could not be happier with the performance. The images snap with color and contrast. The auto focus is clean and fast and the photos are sharp. It took me a while to get the nerve to pony up the bucks for this lens, but it was well worth it in my opinion.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 6 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: SnookieSam
Location: Westerly, ri
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: No
Cheap case
Overall Rating
Features
1
out of
5
Performance
1
out of
5
Price/Value
1
out of
5
Quality
2
out of
5
Satisfaction
1
out of
5
Date:December 3, 2012
Cons: cheap case
Decent lens, overpriced, extremely cheap and flimsy case. Would not recommend.
9 of 53 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 7 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: Mike
Location: Southern California
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
Fantastic
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:November 2, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
Cons: wish it would focus closer at times
Have had this lens for about 2 years and find it a great addition. I rarely use a tripod and am amazed at the sharpness. It quickly became one of my favorite lenses. Will admit there are times I wish I could actually get closer to the subject. It also makes a very nice walk around lens.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 8 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: Anonymous
Location: San Francisco
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
!00 mm macro f2.8l lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
4
out of
5
Satisfaction
3
out of
5
Date:September 27, 2012
Pros: Super-sharp images
Cons: Slow auto-focus
Top marks for resolution. Build quality seems quite good. The autofocus takes getting used to from other lenses such as the 24-105 zoom, the 70-200 zoom and the 16-35 zoom which all focus very quickly. This one I have to hold the button half down while it goes all the way in and the backs out to find the focus point. On all the other lenses I just needed to do a half tap on the shutter button to get to focus. But have to say that the resolution seems better than all the others so perhaps that is the trade off.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 9 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: Go Photos
Location: Ric Rico AZ
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Sports
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: No
Ultra Versatile Lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:September 10, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
Cons: none
I have used this lens for more than intended. I have shot sports, outdoor location photos, blacklight situations and even some macro stuff. It is a very versatile lens. The depth of field make you focus on your subject an makes stunning life size photos for sports and glamour photos. This lens really brings out the details in subjects. I generally shoot with a monopod and have some really cool sports pictures. I think it is one of canons best priced lenses and a true value.
6 of 8 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 10 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: Drjohn08318
Location: Framingham, MA
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
Outstanding Lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:August 25, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
I had previously purchased the non-L 100mm Macro lens from Canon. It was a fantastic lens, and resulted in many awesome pics; however, the majority of my shots are taken hand-held. So the IS was really needed if I wanted more "keepers". Decided to trade up to the L lens. All I can really say is "wow". I am still amazed at how incredibly beautiful my pictures turn out now. So many more "keepers". And this is a great portrait lens as well. It is by far my favorite and most-frequently used lens. Just can't say enough about how much I love this glass. I routinely recommend it to those who marvel at my pictures.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 11 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: laserguy007
Location: Coral Springs FL
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: Less than 1 year
Product replacement: No
Great Buy
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:August 24, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Super-sharp images
Great lens and great value. Super sharp even when using for a portrait lens.
Share this Review:
Review 12 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: dcr
Location: Kansas
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
exceptional
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:August 10, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
Cons: won't take teleconverter if needed
I bought this to replace my 50 mm macro, initially to be able to back off some product-like subjects and be able to stay out of the way of my lighting. I am also finding myself using it a lot outdoors for small wildlife subjects. I have particularly been using it to photograph butterflies and am getting fantastic results. The focus is fast enough to get the subject before it moves on, and the photographs are incredibly sharp. I am so very glad I made this purchase.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 13 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: Marty K
Location: Ingleside, IL
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: Yes
Great Lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:April 5, 2012
Pros: fast accurate auto-focus, nice bokeh, image stabilization, light weight
Cons: none
This lens takes fantasic close-up images. It replaces my 100mm Canon lens without image stabilization (IS). The IS allows for more hand held shots. The resolution is excellent. I use it on a Canon 5D Mark III (full frame), which allows me to crop the images significantly. I would have liked to see less plastic used, but it does not seem to take away from the quality images. The benefit is a lighter lens. It also is a great portrait lens.
18 of 20 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 14 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: OsKy6116
Location: Minnesota, MN
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
Superb lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 16, 2012
Pros: everything
Cons: none
At first I thought it was a little pricey but then I was like OMG best macro lens ever invented!!!
The best part it that it has IS and USM
totally worth it
The best part it that it has IS and USM
totally worth it
10 of 15 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 15 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: macman
Location: New Ulm, MN
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
Better than expected!
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:January 29, 2012
I was trying to decide the first lens I wanted to purchase to go with the Canon EOS-1V I picked up used a while back. I knew I was going to buy a L series lens. I had rented the 24-70mm f/2.8L and really liked that but the close-up shots that I like to take just weren't close enough. I had a 100mm f/4 FD that I really liked with my former AE1 Program. I did quite a bit of research on this lens before I purchased it. I added a Hoya UV filter to protect the front element. This lens balances very well with the 1V even when I have the PB-E2 Power Booster on. Actually better with the Booster on. The combined weight doesn't bother me, it gives me confidence in the quality. I also like the moisture/dust seal to match the 1V.
I just got my first 6 rolls of slide film developed and the sharpness on film is excellent. Not all my shots were perfect but that is definitely user error and not a fault of the lens. I shoot nature better than people usually and this lens has improved my people shots. This lens takes beautiful portrait shots. If you know your focus distance and set the correct range the AF works quite well. I shot a lot of Macro shots hand held and was amazed at how sharp the pictures came out. A function of the IS I'm sure.
Bottom line? If you're into Macro photography professionally or as an advanced amateur you won't go wrong here. Excellence as a portrait lens is a bonus.
I just got my first 6 rolls of slide film developed and the sharpness on film is excellent. Not all my shots were perfect but that is definitely user error and not a fault of the lens. I shoot nature better than people usually and this lens has improved my people shots. This lens takes beautiful portrait shots. If you know your focus distance and set the correct range the AF works quite well. I shot a lot of Macro shots hand held and was amazed at how sharp the pictures came out. A function of the IS I'm sure.
Bottom line? If you're into Macro photography professionally or as an advanced amateur you won't go wrong here. Excellence as a portrait lens is a bonus.
13 of 14 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 16 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: Iron
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: Yes
Amazing
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:January 16, 2012
Pros: super sharp image, fast focuse, not heavy
Cons: wierd sound when is is on, a bit pricy
Where can I start, I have been having dreams about buying this lens, and finally I went ahead and spent major bucks, but it was worth it. From the very first picture I had taken, I fell in love instantly and I try to use this lens as much as possible. Even @ 100mm focal length, its still my first choice lens for portrait photography. Not forgetting the main purpose of this lens is to take close up photos, I can assure you that you will be amazed on how close you can get to the subject, plus the fine details this lens can pick up.
Overall, if you have the money then don't even think twice, a must for macro and portrait photography.
Overall, if you have the money then don't even think twice, a must for macro and portrait photography.
12 of 13 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 17 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: gordone
Location: Red Deer, Canada
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
Save up and buy this one
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:December 20, 2011
Pros: nothing is sharper, is is amazing, fast accurate focus, nice build quality and feel, can get a mount ring for it as well
Cons: there just arn't any cons for this lens
I was taking a course on macro photography and did research and picked this one to mate with my 60D. This is the most amazing lens you could ever get your hands on. The focus is fast and sharp, even when hand-holding and focusing on the eye of a fly. I have taken several thousand pictures including macro, portrait, scenery, wildlife, weddings, you name it. The IS is absolutely amazing. I also have a 24-70L series, but if I want real sharp photos, I always grab the 100 macro.
21 of 23 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 18 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: shooter
Location: Mosinee Wi
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: No
great macro lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:October 29, 2011
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, light, plenty of control
Had this lens now for a year, All I can say is WOW, super sharp fast and steady, I have no problem with (engineered plastic), I use a tri pod collar no problem with the funtion of the lens, My favorite Canon Lens so far
5 of 7 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 19 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: david
Location: Cambridge, UK
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: Yes
Macro heaven, flawless!
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:September 8, 2011
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, feels great, looks professional
I have been using the 100mm L lens for the past 3 months in tropical forest conditions in Indonesia. From the first shot of ants crawling to my recent shot of a moving centipede, the lens performed incredibly well. The IS feature combined with the lens speed, combines to create a really smooth and satisfying action.
Using a 5D Mark II, I am able to produce the most pin sharp images I have ever seen. The price of this lens is a reflection of the robust design and the quality materials used in the build. When required to get as-close-as possible, the lens gave me exceptional leverage in achieving x1 magnification and no cropping afterwards.
Overall, any cons people have about this lens would result from their in-experience or impatience to understand its true potential.
I would recommend this lens to anyone with the money and passion to achieve excellence.
I would recommend this lens to anyone with the money and passion to achieve excellence.
31 of 34 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
Review 20 for EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Nickname: pnl1948
Location: Houston, TX
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: No
Amazing
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:June 5, 2011
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
I just bought this lens based on reviews from FM and other good reputation sites. They are all correct, this is an amazing lens, fast AF, very easy to use and what a quality of picture. A little bit heavy, but when you see the pictures, it makes it more acceptable. Great lens
16 of 18 people found this review helpful.
Share this Review:
