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The Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM lens is an outstanding value. The quality of images it produces on my EOS 1Ds are outstanding, even with prints up to 16x20. The focal length provides just enough compression for individual portraits and couples shots while allowing a comfortable working distance. Having previously owned the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens, I've come to the conclusion that the EF 100mm f/2 USM is my lens of choice and is a dependable workhorse of a lens that always delivers the money making image!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
When I first bought this lense I was amazed. Super fast, silent focus and great contrast and very sharp. The focal length is just the right one for portraits with 35mm cameras. It eliminates the distortion of the 85mm and doesn't compress the image too much like a 135mm lense does. It's optics hold up very well with the Canon close up filters. They work together like they're designed for each other. I've had mine for over 15 years and it's not given me one bit of trouble. With a little care these lenses wear very well. Mine still looks like it did the day I took it out of the box. If you're wondering which prime to get first this is one I would recommend after the 50mm f1.4 USM. For those quiet places that need the stealth approach this is one lense that should be in your lense arsenal.Read full review
I looked at this lens for a long time and read many reviews. I am moving away from Canon kit tele lenses to Primes trying get the most out of both portrait type photography and sporting events including some indoor shots. The much lower F stop of F2 compared to the Kit lens's F4 or smaller is well worth the upgrade. The ability to shoot indoors in a Gym with medium lighting is nice. At 100 mm a tripod is not essential if you position correctly. It is not Macro, but I wanted the sharpness over that feature in the sister to this Cannon option. I chose 100 over 85 for the sporting events. I am glad about choosing this lens after considering both other choices. Low F stop, very sharp, low distortion and very little flare. At about 1/3rd the price of an L series. If cost is an issue this is a good value for a handy length and well made lens. With the Nifty 50mm 1.8STM and this 100mm F2 the Bokeh in my portrait work is taken to a new level of creativity. All at a budget level suitable for the amateur work I do.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I've tried three lenses now looking for a short telephoto/portrait model. One was the Canon 85mm 1.8, the Canon 135mm 2.8 SP and this Canon 100mm 2.0. The first, the 85mm was and is a great lens, however, it just wasn't as crisp or clear around the edges as I wanted it to be when I wasn't using it as a portrait lens. Next, I tried the 135mm 2.8 SF. This is a great lens for the money if you can find a nice clean used one. Not as clear as I would of liked and not as clear as my "L" series zoom lens but way lighter in weight. It focuses fast enough for a non-USM model too. A little too much power for my needs but like I previously said, a great buy and good enough for a majority of situations. Now to the lens that is the object of this review, the 100mm 2.0. It's almost as light as the 135mm as mentioned above and very handy. Very sharp around the edges and corners when I need it to be and plenty fast for indoor available light photography when a flash is unavailable or not permitted. I'm comparing it now to my like new "L" series Magic Drainpipe and it seems to be at least as clear as that lens is and about one fourth the weight. The USM motor focuses fast and accurate. The only drawback I see is that it's a little pricey, even on the used market, for what you get. In conclusion, for my needs at this time, it's the best that Canon has to offer. I wanted to try the 100mm "L" series 2.8 Macro IS model, however, I have a macro already and needed more speed anyway. I suppose the image stabilizer would make up for the loss of speed but the drawbacks of weight, size, increased battery drain and the extra cost just wasn't enough for me to consider that lens and sway my decision. Although a little pricey, it's the old story that you get what you pay for.Read full review
I purchased this lens to take pictures of my kids' indoor sports (wrestling) activities. I found with my existing lens that I had to choose between blurry indoor action shots (because my shutter speed was too slow) or underdeveloped pictures (as I tried to increase my shutter speed). After using this lens for one wrestling competition, I immediately got clearer, crisper, cleaner, brighter pictures in low light because of the F/2 aperture. What I gave up with this lens is the ability to zoom in and out. But the 100mm focal length gives enough telephoto to get a good picture composition from the 2nd or 3rd row of the bleachers. I compared this lens to the Canon 100mm F/2.8 macro lens before purchasing. Since I don't need the macro, I think this was a better choice, because the F/2 aperture is larger than the F/2.8 aperture of the macro lens, and that is what I needed for low light action shots. However, I have not tried the macro lens. If you have the big bucks for a zoom lens with a F/2 aperture, then go for it. But I didn't, and I am happy to trade the convenience of a zoom for bright, clear action shots.Read full review
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