Canon 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro lens review with samples (APS-C)

[@StewartWoodArt]

I hope you found this review helpful, sorry it took so long but it was a hard edit.

[@LieslHuddleston]

That was a lot of work, you did a great job. I've found the lens hood to be particularly useful when doing portraits, I love doing backlit portraits and it's amazing for that, very rarely ever use it for macro work as I get pretty close too.

[@StewartWoodArt]

I'm just starting to get back into portraits, watch this space!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you, I am trying to speak more clear so people can understand better.

[@StewartWoodArt]

I'll keep working at it :)

[@davyscales7732]

It is a lovely lens and you can fit a canon 12 or 25mm extension tube and get really close, great video your work is excellent. Oh and by the way your right about being ripped off, i bought this lens in 2011 for £650 from that same company.

[@bradrobertsonimagery9964]

One of the best “piece of kit” reviews I’ve seen. Well done sir.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@houseranger9399]

Great review - brief and to the point with plenty of demonstrations which help immensely. Buying this lens today.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thanks.

[@blackmutantbird]

I've been waiting for this review since you published the unboxing two months ago. It's time to sit down and watch it. Thank you!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you for watching :)

[@etowahwaters]

One of the best reviews on gear I've seen

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@houcinesinaceur5170]

That’s the review I ve been looking for tkx for the details

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@carolyndaugherty3022]

I just ordered mine today and I am excited! Great video!! Thanks!!

[@lourdancarrullo4527]

Straight forward review. Love it. Excellent work!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thanks for watching.

[@aiquelindo]

Stewart, concerning the lens hood I know you said you were nit picking, but the way you put it, it sounds like it's something that could have been done in another way. But the lens hood had to be designed like that due to geometry requirements of such focal length. Also, installing the lens hood in reverse on the lens is only meant for storing purposes, there is no reason whatsoever why anyone should carry it like that while shooting. It's not a faulty design therefore should not be considered a negative aspect of your review.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Your correct but I need to mention it as I carry my 24 -105 lens hood on the lens its self all the time, I was disappointed that it was not the case for the 100mm macro lens. Like I said just nit picking.

[@malo_840]

The best review I’ve seen on this lens. Grate review, thank you so much for this info.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Your welcome :)

[@richardlewis7214]

Superb review Stewart, I’ve learnt more from you than from the owners manual! thanks very much. 👍

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you Richard :)

[@SenorGancho]

Nicely done Stewart. I really appreciated how you broke the review down into sections and included practical examples. Very good instructional technique. Agree fully, if you can afford it, get it. Not sure if I can afford it but what the heck, I got it regardless:-)

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@Abxaxbc]

Great review and straight to the point. Thnx, Stewart, for your time and informative review

[@Watchatete]

Liked the video. Almost bbought the cheaper older 100mm non L, but now will go for the slightly more expensive L version.

[@MattBlakPhoto]

This is a great informative video Stewart. Thanks.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@raytaylor4199]

Just ordered one today, for my 80d, that's how I came across your video

[@StewartWoodArt]

You will love it, let me know how you get on with it :)

[@raytaylor4199]

Will do, should be here by Wednesday, can't wait to start using it, your video was really well done and very informative, gives me confidence that I've made a good choice 👍

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@laurenthagnere3396]

Me to, for my 80D

[@StewartWoodArt]

Awesome, how are you finding it?

[@Iwtbaf]

great video mate!! probably my favorite one about this lens.

[@heloshark]

Excellent review! Great content!

[@sammysatsangi7754]

Very informative video., Thank you Stewart

[@sampro35]

Nice review, very helpful.

[@lottatroublemaker6130]

I already have the non-L-series lens (but waiting on an L-series). I just have to say, it is a fabulous, really nice lens! It takes beautiful pictures! But I really want IS, especially since i have joint problems and my arms get tired and shaky too fast. Hadn’t it been for that, I would have kept the one I had. As I said, it is a great, great lens that can be had in real good condition for less than GBP 300 - that is a lot for the money!

[@StewartWoodArt]

It is a good lens for Canon cameras.

[@paulgraunke6670]

Good detailed, technical review.

[@andreykarayvansky9549]

I like your pictures, thank you for the review!

[@irfanrahat]

Very good review and very helpful, there are 2 type of L lenses in 100 mm category. One with SA control the other without, which one do you prefer. In my opinion SA control is not needed all the time as it puts the subject blur ... what are your thoughts on it?

[@jacktaylor6190]

I very rarely take my Tokina AT-X M100 F2.8 macro off my Nikon so I am sure you are enjoying your Cannon 100mm as much as I do mine! At times I even put some of my extension tubes on it.

[@StewartWoodArt]

I'm loving it, not done much with the extension tubes yet.

[@carterwoodart8062]

Thank you, for the video, wat is more better for you for macro , Irix 150 mm 2.8 or Canon 100 mm ?

[@StewartWoodArt]

If you need IS and autofocus then get the Canon, if you don't get the Irix.

[@CJamesPhoto]

nice review mate, this really sold me on to which lens i should get... im going for this one :)

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you and you won't be disappointed ;)

[@avs4365]

re the lens hood, found it problematic re branches due to it's length. Finally bought a screw on a rubber collapsible 3rd party, meaning when I sold the lens the original hood was perfect. Really enjoying the channel.

[@StewartWoodArt]

I'll look into that lens hood, thanks.

[@tonyverhagen]

How about portait on a crop body??

[@tomshakespeare6819]

Just ordered my one from canon can’t wait

[@StewartWoodArt]

Awesome :)

[@Anthony.D-Productions]

Great video and lots of info! Thank you! Liked and subbed!👍✌️

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you for subbing :)

[@andreeszeto4839]

Between Laowa 100mm f2.8 and Canon EF 100mm f2.8 which is your preferred lens overall?

[@StewartWoodArt]

The Laowa 100mm (EF version).

[@discospiders]

TY, I have been having such a hard time with this lens!

[@Hussainzidane]

Thanks for your review ,bought it days ago for food photography. I love it but it's not best if you want to shot food plate from top. since 100 mm is narrow and you need to get far from your subject. for side shoots it's prefect. I'm planing to get a flash mainly to use on my 100 mm. does every lens need specific flash or I can get one that work best for every lens ?

[@StewartWoodArt]

most flashes will work well just make sure its compatible with your camera.

[@sanja812]

Stewart what extension tubes would you recomend to use with this objectiv to achive more zoom?

[@StewartWoodArt]

Any metal autofocus extension tubes should do the job.

[@danneukirch4486]

Just found your channel. Awesome content! Subbed. Q: do you still use your extension tubes with the 100mm macro lens to get even closer to subjects? I'm just getting into macro photography. Cheers.

[@StewartWoodArt]

I can if I need to, will do a video about it soon :). Thanks you for subbing :)

[@LieslHuddleston]

Great review! I love this lens, pretty much the only lens I use. Just to let you know, I photographed in the rain for 3 hours with it on my 5D Mkiii and it did fine. It was light rain, but I'll never do it again, haha (bought a rain cover for my camera and lens now) but my camera and this lens are weather sealed. I believe if you use the 5D Mkiii with a battery grip in the rain you're in real big trouble as water can get in. I love this lens for portraits too, I've taken some really beautiful portraits at f/2.8, the bokeh is amazing! By the way, I love your mushroom shot!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you, Im used to having a camera that is not weather sealed so I mind says don't risk it lol

[@LieslHuddleston]

You're absolutely right! It's not worth risking it. I was not very smart, but I was having too much fun to stop, haha! I had an umbrella, but it didn't shield a lot of rain from the camera and lens, but yeah... the rain cover only cost $11.00 and I've used it already a few times, much safer. :D

[@StewartWoodArt]

I may have to have a look for one, thank you.

[@gregfam6250]

Love your systematic division of points of review. Cool accent too... is that English? Which part of the UK?

[@julily2004]

Great video! Thanks! Just got a Canon 5D MarkIV and the only lens that will fit from my collection is the 100mm. I'm taking it to a short notice trip I was just invited to. Wish me luck! (Not planning on doing any Macro with it).

[@StewartWoodArt]

Good luck!

[@AdrianFisherDesign]

What body did you have before? If you had upgraded from a Canon 5D MkII, and had all-Canon lenses, presumably they would still all work?

[@Bhanuandrehana]

Hi sir, is it advisable to use an EF lens on an EFS body. I recently saw this lens, an used one for half the price. I badly want a macro lens for product shoots like watches, rings, etc... But I'm just afraid to invest on this particular lens as it an EF lens and I'm using and APSC body... Please let me know if I can still go for it or is there a better alternative lens which has equally good sharpness and quality for an APSC body...

[@StewartWoodArt]

Yes, absolutely. I used it on my Canon 650D for a while... Plus if you upgrade to full frame you won't to replace the lens.

[@Bhanuandrehana]

@@StewartWoodArt thanks for the response

[@sertakis9429]

My biggest concern using the non L 100mm macro lens, is that even at an aperture f8 outdoors, you get very little focus in terms of depth of field being at the closest 0.31m. I don't use flash or led ring to choose smaller apertures yet so my best bet is to place most of my subject on the same plane.

[@StewartWoodArt]

I would take a look at the yongnuo yn24ex twin macro flash, it's a great option for lighting macro subjects.

[@jamestebbs1377]

fucking bang on mate, been searching so long for a review like this about that lens that sets it in stone for me to buy it. Cant wait to get it bought and start snapping away!!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Awesome to hear :)

[@James_m7]

Nice review!! How does it compare to the Tamron SP 90mm Macro? Thx!

[@StewartWoodArt]

I've not used the Tamron so I can't comment.

[@Fabio_Marshall]

Amazing review sir. I am planning to buy for night festival and portrait, so i ask you. Is the focus for long diatance fast and at least useful for moving subjects? Thank you so much!

[@StewartWoodArt]

I'll do some testing :)

[@RogueWolfCreations]

wow it looks like a national geographic shot with this lens. thanks for this review now I have an idea on how this lens works

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you for watching :)

[@Geepstar]

I just got this lens. Do you always use a flash with it? And what type of flash would you recommend?

[@JemimahMai]

Hi Stewart, are you going to get the RF version?

[@coldeb8911]

Great Review! I notice your using this on a Crop Sensor Camera, the Canon 80D. This is the camera I currently own, I had been told that although you can fit an EF lens onto an EF-S camera, the results you get will not be as good or as sharp as when using an ordinary dedicated EF-S lens, despite this one being an L Series. Are you finding that this is not the case with this Lens however ?

[@StewartWoodArt]

Its not quite as good but not that noticeable. I also knew that I would be upgrading to a full frame camera so it made sense to buy the EF glass.

[@coldeb8911]

@@StewartWoodArt Thanks Stewart 👍, if its not quite as good, could you recommend the EF-S lens that would be better? as I dont want to pay more for a lens than I need to really.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Personally, I would take a look at the Laowa lenses.

[@nathaliewoodruff1496]

Question on the focus limiting switch above the AF/MF switch: Is that only useful when shooting in auto focus? That's what it sounded like you were saying. As an aside, why wouldn't you always want it on full focus? I just bought this lens, upgraded from the old macro. Thanks for verifying for me that it was a good choice!! Thanks. Love your videos!

[@StewartWoodArt]

I use it when shooting macro video, it stops the lens focus searching all the way out to infinite.

[@Skelly6752]

Hi Stuart, Great Video, very informative. I’ve just picked up a as new Canon 100mm f2.8 L lens (£500) to go on my Fuji X-T3 and X-H1 using the Viltrox EF-FX2 adapter. Looking forward to seeing how it does. 👍

[@StewartWoodArt]

Awesome :)

[@macvers.]

Is this lens also there for Nikon? I know there is not exactly the same but the 100 mm Nikon 2.8f macro lens?

[@StewartWoodArt]

Here is the Nikon version: goo.gl/8qQh5S I've used it and it's just as good :)

[@macvers.]

@@StewartWoodArt Thanks man and keep up the good work ;)

[@StewartWoodArt]

I will :)

[@IgorsPlay]

Awesome review, thanks 👍

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@peterbonnez]

I have this lens on my 650D, I understand it much better now, thanks.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you for watching :)

[@lukieliev462]

Hi. Does this fit the rebel t8i? Thank you

[@StewartWoodArt]

Yes.

[@farhadguitar]

thank you Stewart that was so help full & completed .... i use your experiences for my shooting for sure ... i am making music video clips, do you have any suggestions about what lens should i get to have sharp footage ? i have 24/105 f4 . 50mm 1.4 . 70/300 f4.5 all canon and i have samyang cine 14mm

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you, I wouldn't know about which lens as I only use my camera for KZbin. I'm sure for music videos there are tutorials on KZbin.

[@janicsuhran]

Hi, what do you think, if i will use this 100mm objective with apsc sensor camera, i will able to take supersharp fotos from 3-4 cm area from 20-35cm distance?

[@elevatedemotions4548]

I want to be close to the lens but it looks like I'm further back...is macro what I need?

[@StewartWoodArt]

I'm not too sure what your asking but let's say yes lol

[@elevatedemotions4548]

@@StewartWoodArt I think wide angle Is what I'm looking for 😎

[@jameskeener7251]

Nice work, thank you.

[@ofr1617]

Wonderful review! Thank you, it helped me to decide to buy the lens. An off-topic question, what kind or species of spider is that? (I'm a huge fan of small spiders)

[@subrotomitra]

honest, practical refreshing

[@JM94_]

May I ask if this is for canon m50?

[@wergraphy4220]

Which aperture do you recommend for the nifty fifty with macro tubes? (Too broke for the Canon 100mm at the moment :D )

[@StewartWoodArt]

I like f/7 or above :)

[@bogyojozsef]

What about shooting full portrait from 10-15 meter from subject in F2.8 and tben on F7. 1?

[@StewartWoodArt]

The lens focuses to infinity so yes it will do full portrait if you have the space to back up.

[@s864008]

Do you recommend this for shooting jewelry?

[@StewartWoodArt]

Yes :)

[@cnottagejr]

hey i want a lens that's great in low light if this is the only lens i need then i want to buy one. and if the auto focus is fast then that's great. i have a canon 400d 10.1 megapixels and the lens on there is alright but i want something better than my tamron 18-200. if the lens is great in low light and have a fast auto focus then i need to jump on that. what do you think about the tamron 15-30 i love that one. and what you think about the tamron 85mm lens. like you said i want a lens that i can do everything with. i never knew there was a full frame camera so i want to buy me a full frame camera and what do you think about the canon 6d and i want the canon 80d and that's it. 3 cameras is all i need and 4 lens 1. tamron 35-150 2. tamron 15-30 3. canon 50mm 4. tamron 85mm tell me what you think about everything i said

[@danielmccoy1021]

I have a cannon rebel t6i and am taking pictures of fish. Would this le s work or what le s would you recommend

[@StewartWoodArt]

I don't now about fish but this lens is very versatile and should work great. my advice is to rent the lens first to test it.

[@brodylockwood14]

You remind me of Buster from Mrs Browns boys. Legend 😂

[@udy0243]

My Copy seems to have little play/wobbling for the Focus ring ( when I try to rotate the focusing ring manually). Is this expected?

[@StewartWoodArt]

I have no play or wobble in the focus ring, maybe get it checked out incase there is an issue.

[@udy0243]

Stewart Wood thanks a lot for the quick response. Liked your video review very much. Great work 👍

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you, let me know how you get on with the lens. Does it prevent you from using it?

[@jdg6336]

I asked Canon about the wobbling noise when the lens isnt on the camera. They said to turn the camera off before removing the lens. I think not doing this may be bad for the lens as I had to have the focus motor replaced before I knew this. Just my guess though.

[@PowaaAnDKrzyOnPC]

thank you sir it really helped !

[@ErwinJ7]

Thank you! Made me purchase more at ease

[@forsterl.stewart414]

I use the 100mm f2.8 USM macro lens because the Image stabilization isn't really that important for my macro set ups as I shoot flash soft box setups as iether fill light or flash as my main light. And this older lens is sharper than both Canon L i.s. lenses only the newest version III and the rf is as sharp. And weather sealing isn't an important factor for me. I would rather save money for sharper images than i.s. or weather sealing.

[@NiLo0666]

Very helpful

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you :)

[@aussernllc]

I've seen what this lens can do. Really want it.

[@andersalmstrom77]

Stweart my dear friend... you know i love your vids and this one was really nice and informative. im just not sure my wife will appreciate a stable diet of water n bread for the next 2 months for me to save up for the lense =P nah but joke aside looks like a really good change from the trusty nifty fifty indeed

[@StewartWoodArt]

I'm sure you could live on chips for 3 months instead ;) Thank you my friend :)

[@kvnalln9751]

Dope video

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you

[@CashelOConnolly]

You’ve missed out that the USA prices you see usually don’t include the tax they add on when buying

[@zamboni6772]

I bought one but I can't get sharp images. Is that so hard? :( I also use a Raynox DCR - 250.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Make sure your steadying yourself and have a high shutter to eliminate camera shake, or use a tripod :)

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

Quality lens I use one too 👌👍

[@StewartWoodArt]

It is a good lens :)

[@creatorlight]

It seems this lens has jumped in price. Does anyone know why?

[@StewartWoodArt]

It's Canon? lol

[@vascocheung884]

In Hong Kong it just cost around $600 US dollars

[@StewartWoodArt]

I know, we get ripped off all the time :(

[@adragan8]

thanks

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you for watching.

[@lunawroblewski]

An L series for under a grand is a lens I'm interested in!

[@Cagey7531]

You can have the 70-200 F4 L [non IS] for 1/3rd of that, just so you know.

[@StewartWoodArt]

But that's not a macro lens.

[@Cagey7531]

@@StewartWoodArt True but Luna only said L series, no mention of macro.

[@sixshooter4570]

Might order this along with the EF-35mm f4 IS USM Lens for my Canon 80D, it's going for $699.00 right now.

[@StewartWoodArt]

You wont regret it :)

[@sixshooter4570]

@@StewartWoodArt I did, I beat the deadline for the good deals by 5 minutes. I also ordered the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens along with other stuff.

[@gardenweld]

Wolverhampton ?

[@FlorisGerber]

dude, your macro photos look fabulous. Can't you invest a little more care into making yourself look better? Give yourself some headroom! Give yourself some more room to move! The composition looks cramped.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Unfortunately, I'm working out of my bedroom ;)

[@theblackcompass4874]

Say "real world review" 3 times fast

[@StewartWoodArt]

I can't say it once most times lol

[@Lidar957]

eeek!

[@cnottagejr]

if i buy this lens i won't need to buy the 85mm

[@TheDeepPlanet]

Great review mate. Thanks.