Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens
The Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM is a 100mm f/2.8 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Used copies start from $200 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens
Used Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM
Key Features — Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM
1:1 True Macro: Achieves life-size 1:1 magnification, rendering subjects at their actual size on the sensor for detailed close-up photography.
100mm Prime Focal Length: A fixed 100mm perspective provides a comfortable working distance from small subjects, reducing the risk of disturbing them or casting shadows.
f/2.8 Maximum Aperture: A wide f/2.8 opening enables strong background separation and usable performance in lower light when not shooting at macro distances.
Canon EF Mount: Compatible with the full range of Canon EF-mount DSLRs, including both full-frame and APS-C bodies.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a 35mm full-frame image circle with no vignetting on Canon's highest-resolution DSLR bodies.
Ring-Type USM Autofocus: Canon's Ultrasonic Motor delivers fast, near-silent autofocus with full-time manual override without switching any physical controls.
Lens Specifications — Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Macro, Portrait, Product |
| Lens Type | Macro |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 100mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 58mm |
Description — Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens is a prime lens designed for Canon's EF mount DSLR system, with full-frame sensor coverage. Its 100mm focal length places it in the standard range, while the f/2.8 maximum aperture offers a wide opening for subject isolation and adaptability across lighting conditions. Classified as a Macro type lens, it is purpose-built for close-up and detail-oriented photography.
The lens supports both autofocus and manual focus, giving shooters direct control over focus acquisition and refinement — a particularly important feature in macro work where depth of field is narrow and precise placement is essential. A 58mm filter thread accommodates a wide range of commonly available filters. Weighing 600g, the lens has a solid build presence without being overly cumbersome.
One specification to note is that image stabilization is absent, so shooters should plan accordingly when working in challenging conditions. Overall, this is a full-frame-capable, EF-mount prime lens with a fast aperture and dual focus mode support.
Pros — Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM
- ✓Wide f/2.8 maximum aperture provides strong subject separation capability
- ✓100mm prime focal length offers a dedicated, consistent perspective with no zoom compromise
- ✓Full-frame coverage (lensFormat: Full Frame) makes it suitable for Canon's broadest range of EF-mount DSLRs
Cons — Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM
- ✗No image stabilization (imageStabilization: None), which can be a drawback for macro work where camera shake is amplified
- ✗Single fixed focal length of 100mm offers no zoom flexibility
- ✗Limited to Canon EF mount only, with no native compatibility for mirrorless systems without an adapter
Reviews — Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM
- Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Review
Photography Life · 2013-04-15 - Canon EF 100mm F2.8 L IS USM Macro Review
DPReview · 2012-11-13 - Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Review
Imaging Resource · 2000-10-15 - Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens Review (with sample pictures)
Christopher Frost - The Canon 100mm F/2.8 USM Macro Lens Review
Photo Feaver
Videos — Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM
Canon 100mm f/2.8 'L' Macro IS USM lens review with samples (Full-frame and APS-C) — Christopher Frost
Frequently Asked Questions — Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Canon EF mount. It is designed for Canon's DSLR camera system and covers full-frame sensors, though it is also physically compatible with Canon APS-C DSLRs that use the EF mount.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, the image stabilization is listed as None in the specifications. Shooters working in macro situations or lower light conditions should account for this, potentially using a tripod or other support.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 58mm filter thread, which is a commonly available size. This allows use of standard circular filters such as polarizers or neutral density filters.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
Yes, autofocus is supported, and the lens also offers manual focus control. Both Auto and Manual are listed as available focus types, giving the user flexibility depending on the shooting situation.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 600g according to the specifications. This is worth considering for handheld shooting, particularly in macro photography where stability is important given the absence of image stabilization.
Is this lens compatible with full-frame cameras?+
Yes, the lens format is specified as Full Frame, meaning it produces an image circle that covers full-frame sensors. It is designed for use with Canon EF-mount DSLRs across Canon's camera lineup.