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 $599.99 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