The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is the ideal professional L-series choice for Canon EF photographers who want exceptionally sharp close-up images alongside outstanding portrait performance. It delivers true 1:1 life-size magnification with a minimum focusing distance of just 11.8 inches, and combines Canon’s legendary optical design – including an Ultra-Low Dispersion element and Super Spectra Coating – with weather-sealed professional construction that proves itself in the toughest shooting conditions.
Beyond its macro capabilities, this 100mm prime excels as a short telephoto for portraiture, producing soft, beautiful bokeh thanks to its nine-blade circular diaphragm and f/2.8 maximum aperture. Optical IS compensates for up to four stops of shake at medium magnifications and up to two stops at full 1:1 magnification, a clear advantage for handheld macro work, while the ring-type USM autofocus system is fast and virtually silent across three selectable focus ranges.
Key Features
- True 1:1 macro magnification: Achieve full life-size magnification with a minimum focusing distance of 11.8 inches, ideal for insects, flowers, products and fine close-up detail.
- Exceptional L-series optical quality: An Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) element reduces chromatic aberration and colour fringing, while Super Spectra Coating suppresses reflections and flare for excellent contrast and colour fidelity.
- 4-stop Hybrid IS stabilization: Canon’s Hybrid IS compensates for up to four stops of shake at lower magnifications, three stops at 1:2 and two stops at 1:1, for sharper handheld and dim-light macro images.
- Fast, silent ring-type USM autofocus: The internal focusing system with an Ultrasonic Motor delivers fast, near-silent autofocus with full-time manual override, keeping the subject sharp without disturbing the moment.
- Three-position focus range limiter: Restricts autofocus to 11.8 inches to 1.6 feet, 1.6 feet to infinity, or the full range, noticeably speeding up subject acquisition in macro and portrait work.
- Weather-sealed L-series construction: Dust and moisture protection makes it a reliable companion for professional photographers outdoors and in the studio in harsh environments.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon EF (compatible with Full-Frame and APS-C) |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 100mm (equivalent to 160mm on APS-C cameras) |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Macro Magnification | 1:1 life-size |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 11.8 inches |
| Image Stabilization | Optical IS – up to 4 stops (2 stops at 1:1, 3 stops at 1:2) |
| Autofocus System | Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) with full-time manual override |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 circular blades |
| Weather Sealing | Dust and moisture resistant (L-series) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM compatible with Canon APS-C cameras?
Yes. Although the lens is optimised for professional full-frame Canon EF cameras, it is fully compatible with APS-C bodies, where it provides an equivalent focal length of about 160mm, making it an excellent short telephoto for portraits on those cameras too.
How effective is the image stabilization for handheld macro photography?
The Optical IS system is tuned specifically for macro distances. It compensates for up to two stops of shake at full 1:1 magnification, three stops at 1:2, and up to four stops at lower magnifications, giving photographers noticeably sharper results in close-up and low-light work.
What is the aperture range, and how does the nine-blade diaphragm benefit portrait and macro photographers?
The lens covers an aperture range from f/2.8 to f/32. Its nine rounded blades produce soft, attractive bokeh (out-of-focus blur), which is highly valued for isolating macro subjects and achieving beautiful background separation in portraiture.
Genuine stock in Egypt, priced in EGP, with delivery to all governorates and payment by InstaPay or Vodafone Cash.
