Product Description

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Autofocus lens is suitable for macro photography up to life-size (1x) magnification. Inner focusing affords a long working distance of 5.9 inches to infinity.

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 4657A006
• Dimensions: 2.13" h x 2.13" w x 2.99" l, 4.00 pounds

Features

• 100mm macro USM lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras
• Secondary diaphragm blocks stray light at f/2.8 for increased contrast
• Ultra-sonic monitor provides outstanding autofocusing speed at all distances
• 3-group floating system for exceptional close-up performance; full-time manual focus
• Measures 3.1 inches in diameter and 4.7 inches long; weighs 21.1 ounces; 1-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Bring small things into full-sized view with the Canon EF 100mm macro USM lens. Macro lenses can uncover detail that would be impossible to detect by the eye and give new perspective to extremely minute subjects such as insects or the petals of a small flower, and this lens is no exception. The lens offers such features as a three-group floating system for exceptional close-up performance; a secondary diaphragm that blocks stray light at f/2.8, which increases contrast when shooting wide open; a ultra-sonic monitor (USM) that provides outstanding autofocusing speed at all focusing distances; a wide manual focusing ring with smooth action; and full-time manual focus even in AF mode. The first lens in its class to feature inner focusing, the lens carries a one-year warranty.

• Focal length: 100mm
• Maximum aperture: 1:2.8
• Lens construction: 12 elements in 8 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 24 degrees
• Focus adjustment: Inner focusing system with USM
• Closest focusing distance: 1 foot (film plane to subject)
• Filter size: 58mm
• Dimensions: 3.1 inches in diameter, 4.7 inches long
• Weight: 21.1 ounces

Customer Reviews

GREAT Macro!
This is one of my Targeted Purchases for Additional Lenses with my Digital SLR Camera (Canon XSi and XTi). Being FINALLY FREE (As an Empty-Nesting Retiree) .. I've gone back to College ... and a selection of the courses are in Photography. The skills/techniques I am studying necessitated the purchase of a Macro Lens -- and since this one Arrived .. WOW ... I've gotten a LOT of use out of this one lens -- everything from close-ups of the Spring Blooms to Insects/Butterflies and nature in all its wonderous glory. I LOVE it ... but realize this -- if you are photographing blooms -- you MOST likely will be using MANUAL Focus -- for the lens itself will zoom in and out (sometimes repeatedly) -- trying to focus where IT wants to .. so if you want the BEST quality (based on your tastes), set it to MF and go for it!

Good for macro
This is a good lens for macro photography, but it is not without its shortcomings, and if your camera can use Canon EF-S lenses, you may want to consider the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 MACRO USM lens. First, the 60 mm is considerably cheaper. Second, the 60mm lens has a circular aperture - the 100mm lens does not. Next, as the Canon website shows, the 60 mm lens has better MTF than the 100mm lens. Also, the 60 mm lens weighs about half that of the 100 mm lens. Finally, for portraits and other non-macro photography, the 60 mm length may be more convenient, and with its 2.8 aperture, the 60 mm lens can be used as a fast "normal" lens.
All that said, the 100 mm lens does take good macro photos, although it is not always easy. As with all macro photography, you need to close the aperture and use an external flash. The Canon macro ring light will cost you another $450. And, since a tripod is also usually needed, macro photography can become rather expensive.

Great Macro Lens
This is a great macro lens and a super portrait lens too. Excellent bokah, sharp, and reasonably priced.