Autofocus lens for macro photography up to life-size (1x) magnification. Inner focusing affords a long working distance of 5.9in. (149mm) at 1x. A 3-group floating system results in excellent delineation at all focusing distances. Ring USM for silent and high-speed AF, and full-time manual focusing also provided.
i got this lens 2 years ago, when the USM version wasn't there yet. if you want quality, this is the lens. results are comparable to L-series lenses. the bad side is noisy auto focus. if you are used to USM, this will throw you off. i don't think i would upgrade to the USM version, because i don't really need the speed that much (you don't really need speed with Macro shots, don't you?) i'll give it 5 thumbs for its price (currently $400 in B&H). but only 4 thumbs for the overall.
Strength
super sharp true macro
Weakness
no inner-focus no USM
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Written By
Eric Shen(Unregistered User)
From
Queens, NY
Date Created
10/13/2000
Summary
A great lens, with excellent optics. I also use it as a portrait lens. The large maximum aperture is usefull here too. I used to use a 50mm normal lens with closeup filters attached to the front. That combination does not even come close to this lens.
Strength
Probably the sharpest lens I own. Large maximum aperture allows for a bright viewfinder = easier to focus manually. Well constructed lens. Uses inexpensive 52mm filters.
Weakness
Even though I focus my macro shots manually, the autofocus motor is really noisy and slow, compared to USM lenses. But besides that, one of my favorite lenses.
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Written By
Norbert(Unregistered User)
From
Atlanta
Date Created
08/15/2000
Summary
Optics and build are excellent. Autofocus motor is probably as bad as Sigma lenses. Dont waste your money on this. Get the new 100/2.8 USM macro instead.
Strength
Terrific sharpness and contrast. Lens is well corrected for distortions all through the focusing range from 1:1 to infinity. Very solid construction and very well built.
Weakness
The DC micromotor for autofocus is nothing short of crap. THis lens has died on me twice and Canon replaced the AF mechanism for me under warranty. If it happens again, I will throw the lens back at them and demand a replacement.
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Written By
Sofus Comer(Unregistered User)
From
Aarhus, Europe Denmark
Date Created
07/13/2000
Summary
I have had this lens for 2½ years and will never rid my self of it. Its sharpness makes me a picky person, when comparing other Canon lenses. Great for portraits and small objects.
Strength
Amazingly Sharp (5-5). The blur effects are astonishing (5-5). Superb for close up portraits (5-5), Sturdy thing.
Weakness
When using as an allround 100mm lens from 20yards+ , it can sometimes fail in the overall sharpness.
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Written By
Jennifer Bisbing(Unregistered User)
From
Atlanta, GA US
Date Created
07/10/2000
Summary
I have had this lens for 6 months and my photos have never been more crisp. I have produced 35mm images that look like 4x5. I have used other macro set ups in the past and have never gotten the results I have with this lens. It is worth the price.
Strength
Focal length is just right for different location shots. Crisp Macro work and Portraits!
Weakness
Automatic Focus. I am not a huge fan of any auto focus lens.
4.7 of 5
