Canon 100mm Macro's

L versions?
I have the 100mm L f/2.8 IS, it's a great lens with excellent colour and contrast, and it's as sharp as a knife.
I went for the IS version because it makes impromptu macro shots more fun, instead of having to set up a tripod. It's also a great portrait lens.
The IS on this lens is VERY quiet, virtually silent and it's very effective.
All in all, I'd highly recommend it. :D
 
One thing to consider is weather you would shot mostly at Macro distances or mostly further away - the reason being that at macro distances around 1:1 the I.S. is not very effective (about 1/2 a stop at best), it is only when you are shooting further way that you will find the I.S. becomes very useful.
IQ wise most of the reviews/comparison I have seen suggest they are both pretty much the same with near identical colour and contrast.

If money was no object then you just as well go for the I.S. version - weather it is worth the extra is a personal thing and only you can decide.

Whichever you decide upon I am sure you will not be disappointed - both are cracking lenses.
 
Both superb lenses, but if you don't handhold at slow shutter speeds, the L IS is superfluous.
The sigma 150mm f/2.8 is also an excellent lens if you need or like a bit more length.
I wrote up a short review here (click for link).
Also the tokina 100mm is also worth considering in the 100mm range.

Don't fret over the choice, you can't go wrong with macro lenses, they're all tack sharp. Just pick the focal length/features you need.
 
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Roy C said:
One thing to consider is weather you would shot mostly at Macro distances or mostly further away - the reason being that at macro distances around 1:1 the I.S. is not very effective (about 1/2 a stop at best), it is only when you are shooting further way that you will find the I.S. becomes very useful.
Click to expand...

What has distance got to do with stabilization ?

From the press release:-

The high quality, medium telephoto macro lens, has been developed for photographers who demand the highest level of optical quality. The new Hybrid IS system features up to 4-stop correction, compensating for the effects of camera shake, during normal shooting. Low friction ceramic balls support the moving elements, which allows for the amazingly smooth movement – needed when compensating for camera shake during macro shooting. Hybrid IS corrects shift movement – problematic when shooting up close -as well as angular movement providing photographers with the benefit of up to 2 stops at 1.0x magnification.
 
I did read on 2 different sites that in MAcro the IS is not as useful as it is when using this lens for portraits. I have the non IS and its amazing but granted one day I do consider of upgrading to the IS version as I do use it for both insects and people
 
I am not sure I'd use the IS for macro, but a 100 macro is a very useful non macro lens as they tend to be blisteringly sharp and that is where the IS will help.

The IS is not the only difference between the two. The L is a more sophisticated beast with higher performance.
 
Oggy said:
I am not sure I'd use the IS for macro, but a 100 macro is a very useful non macro lens as they tend to be blisteringly sharp and that is where the IS will help.

The IS is not the only difference between the two. The L is a more sophisticated beast with higher performance.
Click to expand...


true but where it counts the most IQ is identical to the naked eye and the IS version is only just marginally better on charts something that we mortals will not notice. But i belive the IS version is weather proof and thats real nice too yet the IS unlike many L lenses is made of plastic
 
P-Chan said:
yet the IS unlike many L lenses is made of plastic
Click to expand...

Engineering plastic.
"Engineering plastics are a group of plastic materials that exhibit superior mechanical and thermal properties"

More expensive than the metal alternative and lighter too. :cool:
 
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