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.

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens is an extremely fun lens to use. It combines excellent image quality with a useful focal length, a relatively small/light body, fast/quiet AF with 1:1 (1x) macro capabilities - and HIS (Hybrid Image Stabilization).

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...

This lens is nowhere as sharp as the Nikon 105mm 2.8 VR micro lens. I know because I also have that lens. I don't think it is worth $1049.00

light weight; IS helps

all plastic lens; pricey; not very sharp

The picture below illustrates the lens's angle of view on full frame and APS-C DSLRs (taken from our standard vantage point):

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

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;

I have enjoyed macro shooting for some time (having used the ef-s 60, 100 (non-L) and 180L in the past. While each of those lenses has specific advantages and disadvantages, I found the 100mm focal length to be perfect in terms of working distance and portability for the following reasons: With 60mm...

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Quick Focus; Sharp Focus

Heavy; Weak Casing

Back in July 2009, Canon announced a new ‘hybrid' image stabilisation system designed for macro photography. Able to compensate for both the standard angular movement and the small shifts in the angle at which the lens is pointed during hand-held shooting.

Canon's first macro lens with image stabilisation. Here we see whether it's one 'L' of a lens.

Build Quality; USM focusing; New Image Stabilisation system; High resolution; Useful Focus limiter switch

Supplied lens hood is a little deep for use at close distances; Focus breathing can make composition tricky

I use this for wildlife and the color details are amazing. It's sharp and great in lowlight situations. Overall, I'm happy with using it for close subjects, but you want a longer (such as 100-400) lens to go with this one. I haven't tried macro yet, but I have no doubt that it performs elitely.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Rugged; Strong Construction

Heavy