Canon DSLR Macro Lens Comparison: 100 L f2.8 Macro Lens vs 100 f2.8 Macro Lens

A macro lens is typically used in close up photography, like detailed shots of a flower petal or an insect.  While there are a number of camera manufacturers that make macro lenses, the name that most often comes to mind when thinking of cameras and lenses is Canon.  Known for their sturdy, reliable, and high quality cameras and camera parts, Canon is the proud maker of two different macro lenses:  the 100 L 2.8 Macro Lens and the 100 f2.8 Macro Lens.

Deciding which Canon Macro Lens to purchase is a personal choice and is based on your budget and your personal needs.  The purpose of this lens buying guide is not to tell you which lens is better; it is to help decide which lens is a better choice for you and your photography needs.  This lens comparison should help shed some light on your decision.

An Excellent Lens

The Canon 100 f2.8 Macro Lens is a high quality lens.  Features include a secondary diaphragm that blocks stray light and keeps it from ruining your picture with unwanted glare or washed out features.  The ultra sonic monitor provides you with a rapid auto focusing speed, allowing you to take a series of pictures in a short period of time.  The lens boasts a three-group floating system that provides outstanding close-up photographs.  This setting includes full time manual focus.  Until recently, this was  possibly the best lens on the market.

It allows you to remain a considerable distance from the subject, which is very important in the case of insects, birds, and wildlife, but still be able to zoom in and shoot a finely detailed photograph.  This is also a vital feature when your subject is not in place you can actually reach.  With this lens, you can take this photo from a perch in a tree, across a stream, or out a car window if necessary.

The Canon 100 f2.8 was the premier camera lens until the introduction of the Canon L f2.8.  This lens has all the features the 100 f2.8 has and then some!  This macro lens will also allow you the ability to take clear, beautiful close up shots from a considerable distance from your subject.  In addition to the features of its counterpart, this camera features a hybrid image stabilization system, and that is particularly functional at close range.  This newer lens also boasts macro focusing with 1:1 maximum magnification.  If you are photographing tiny objects but want full, clear images, you will need to use some kind of magnifier so that you can see every detail as it will appear in the photograph.  This is something the other lenses are only just beginning to feature. 

While all of these features are excellent, the true stand-out feature is the stabilization system.  This gives you the opportunity to hold your camera and take truly magnificent photographs because even if your hand is not completely still while taking the picture, you will be able to get beautiful photographs with clearly defined details. 

Deciding which Canon macro lens seems like an easy decision.  After all, the 100 L f2.8 Macro Lens does everything the 100 f2.8 does and then some. If you are wondering at this time why the original Canon macro lens is still on the shelves, consider the prices of the two products. 

The original Canon 100 f2.8 is a high quality slr lens that is sturdy and takes good pictures,  it sells for about $880.00.  If you are seeking a macro lens with the capabilities to allow you to take beautiful close up shots with clear sharp detail, this lens will not disappoint. 

In a lens comparison, however, you will find that the Canon L f2.8 is more advanced.  With state of the art stabilizers, the lens compensates for minute movements on your part that may obscure the lines and details in your photographs.  When taking close up shots, every little movement will create a glaring blemish your photograph as you wish it appear.