Close-up fanatics wanting a top-quality Macro lens should consider the EF 100mm f2.8L, which works on cropped and full-frame bodies, delivers 1x magnification and boasts Canon's first Hybrid Image Stabilisation system which counteracts both lens shift and angular motion.

* True macro capability * Stunning MTF performance * Full-frame coverage * Internal focussing

Stunning MTF performance

Nothing of significance

It's rare to find a macro lens that doesn't perform admirably during a lens test and so I wasn't surprised that the EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM performed almost flawlessly. It's a well-built lens with weather sealing to boot.

This is the best lens I've used for taking portraits, particularly in black and white. There is a soft creaminess that is difficult to describe but the smoothness is incredibly pleasing. I feel like there is a very even graduation in skin tones that is difficult to replicate with other lenses.

Love macro shooting? This is the perfect lens if you want to go pro.

Canon's really raised the bar with this lens: exceptionally sharp, even wide open at f/2.8, with strong results for resistance to chromatic aberration and distortion. Corner shading can be a tad high at f/2.8 when used on a full-frame body, but for macro work, I imagine most people will be using...

Superb optical quality; Fast, silent, and accurate autofocus; full time manual focus; Highly effective image stabilization (for longer subject distances, at least); Solid build, including dust and water sealing;

Hybrid Image Stabilization still not particularly effective at macro distances; Precise manual focus at 'portrait' distances slightly tricky; Very expensive compared to non-stabilized alternatives;

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM macro may be a comparatively old lens by now but it's still capable of playing in the top league - easily. It provides sharp images straight from f/2.8 and it's downright excellent between f/4 and f/8.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro is one of the best lenses in Canon's modern portfolio. The lens exhibits very even performance across pretty much entire aperture range on both APS-C and full frame cameras.