Very sharp lens, superb quality images.

None

The AF motor is not USM. A little noisy.
It doesn't matter in Macfro Work.

Customer Service

Not tested.

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None.

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.

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.

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.

Customer Service

none

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none

super sharp
true macro

no inner-focus
no USM

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.

Customer Service

never had to

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Optically fabulous – critically sharp, even wide open, with no detectable distortions;
True macro, ie 1:1 reproduction on film; and,
Compatible with the excellent Canon Macro Ring Lites.

Uses old-fashioned, ie slow, micro-motor for focussing – not a problem for macro work, where most focussing is manual, but limits general photographic use; and,
Rather narrow focussing ring can be awkward in some situations.

A fine lens - perfect for dedicated macro work, but limited in its more general photographic capabilities.

For dedicated macro use this lens sets the standard. However, if you are seeking a general-purpose optic, the extra 50% for the recently introduced Canon EF 100 mm f2.8 Macro USM (USD630 compared to USD420) is probably worth it. By all accounts just as good optically and with USM.

Customer Service

No experience.

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[1] I use a range of fixed focal length lenses.
14mm - 10%
28mm – 10%
50mm – 15%
135mm – 35%
300mm – 20%
100mm macro – 10%.
[2] This is the only true macro lens I have owned - for ten years.

Excellent optics
Fine construction

AF motor/range sensor

Can't beat it for macro work. As long as you don't need the autofocus much, it works
fine as a regular 100mm lens as well. My unit can occasionally autofocus correctly
if it's close to start with, but if it has to hunt, it doesn't always reverse at the end of
the travel (and makes loud clacking noises instead). I have also had the manual focus
mechanism stick at one or the other end of the focus range, and had to use the AF
motor to free it. Aside from these little foibles, I love it, and I don't plan on ever
getting rid of it. Except possibly to upgrade to the USM version!

Customer Service

Haven't needed it yet

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none (briefly looked at Tamron 90mm macro)

Really sharp. price is good, as it's not a USM. I don't mind

noisy

I have the 20mm F2.8 and 200mm F2.8 USM lenses with EOS 1N, for photographing schoolclass students. Both are fabulous lenses- no complaint. But neither can get that close, so I opted for this, which although not a USM, I don't think makes all that much difference. I agree with the others that manual focus is more useful in really close up work.

Customer Service

don't know yet. not had any problem with any Canon stuff.

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Excellent optical quality. An L lens without the red ring.

Lack of USM/Relatively slow autofocus. But this is not a problem for macro photography or portraits.

I agree. This is an L lens without the red ring. Optical quality is top notch. I am using this lens for portraits and some macro work. Absolutely love it.

The focus-limiter switch will help improve the speed of the auto-focus, especially on more advanced bodies (e.g. EOS 3 and above). If you are using this lens for portraits and macro you really don't need lightening fast autofocus. You could save some money by buying this lens over the new USM version.

Customer Service

Never used

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EF 17-35mm USM f/2.8L (****)
EF 50mm USM f/1.4 (*****)
EF 75-300 USM IS f/4-5.6 (** 1/2)

Great builded lens barrel (full metal).
Very,very sharp.
Auto focus not slow on EOS-3.
Smooth manual focusing.

Since it is too sharp. Your girlfriend will kill you when she saw the picture. (^_^")

The result is same as L series lens. If $ is no problem, go for USM model. No good for portraits--is too sharp.

Customer Service

No need to try.

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Vivitar 100mm macro.
Sigma 50mm macro.

Top quality pictures within Macro range - never used for portraits

none

One word - SUPERB

Customer Service

nothing happened so far

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none

This is a fantastically sharp lens. Probably one of the sharpest lenses in canon's lineup.

Nope.

Optics are top notch. Autofocus sucks. Build is great. Price is a limiting factor. Get my drift?

Similar Products Used:

Tamron 90mm macro, Nikkor 105 macro