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The magnification ratio is the specification, and 1:1 is the dividing line · review

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM review

Canon’s L-series EF macro lens with Hybrid IS, a long-time reference for 1:1 macro on DSLRs, at about $1,449 from a dealer. The listing itself gives almost no detail.

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A long-running reference

The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM gives 1:1 magnification with stabilization and an L-series build. It also works as a portrait lens on full frame.

Macro basics

A 1:1 ratio, also written 1.0×, means the subject is projected onto the sensor at its real size. A 0.5× lens projects it at half size. At 100 mm, the working distance leaves room for light between lens and subject.

The listing

This Amazon.com page is sparse: a UPC and a weight. iPro Photo sold it at about $1,449.

Which Canon macro to buy

On a Canon DSLR, this is the premium choice. On an RF mirrorless body, the RF100mm and RF85mm on this shelf are better matches.

Prices quoted in this text were read on November 2, 2026. The live price is at the top of the page.

What it does well, and what it gives up

Strengths

  • True 1:1 macro
  • Stabilized, rare among macro lenses
  • L-series build
  • 824 ratings at 4.6 stars

Compromises

  • About $1,449, more than the newer RF 100mm
  • The listing has only a UPC and a weight
  • EF mount: RF bodies need an adapter

Specifications

MountCanon EF, full frame; works on EF-S bodies
Focal length100 mm
Aperturef/2.8
Magnification1:1, per the lens name
StabilizationIS, per the lens name
AutofocusUSM
SeriesCanon L
Weight2.05 lb listed, which likely includes packaging
Amazon referenceB002NEFLD2
EAN0013803108620

What people ask before they commit

Is this better than the RF 100mm Macro?

For an RF body, the RF100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM on this shelf reaches 1.4× and costs less on today’s listings. The EF lens makes sense on a DSLR.

What does 1:1 mean?

A 1:1 ratio, also written 1.0×, means the subject is projected onto the sensor at its real size. A 0.5× lens projects it at half size.

Why so little information on the listing?

The listing carries only a UPC and a weight. The facts above come from the lens name and the product table.

Where this one places on its bench

At $1449, it is the 9 cheapest of the 9 models in this category published here.

  • Cheapest on the bench$339
  • Median$799
  • Dearest on the bench$1449

Our score

8.3/ 10

A proven L-series macro for Canon DSLRs. RF owners should pick the RF100mm macro instead.

This one against the other photo equipment

photo equipment from the same category, at nearby prices. Only what all of them publish is shown: a column with holes compares nothing.

Model Price MountFocal lengthApertureMagnification
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM $1449 Canon EF, full frame; works on EF-S bodies100 mmf/2.81:1, per the lens name
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM $1349 Canon RF, full frame100 mmf/2.8, fixed1.4×, beyond life size
Panasonic Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro $1011 L-Mount, full frame100 mmf/2.81:1
Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS $948 Sony E, full frame90 mmf/2.81.0× at 0.28 m (0.92 ft)

What sets the models apart, in photo equipment

  • If price decides: Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS, at $948.
  • Highest Focal length in the table: Panasonic Lumix S 100mm F2.8 Macro (100 mm).

The price on Amazon.com

This model is listed on Amazon.com, at ≈ $1,449 at the last reading. Listed is not the same as in stock: availability changes daily, and the buy box shows the live price.

Details checked on November 2, 2026.

What use this one answers, among photo equipment

Canon DSLR owners who want a dependable 1:1 macro that doubles as a portrait lens.

Sources

Specifications: the manufacturer sheet for photo equipment and the matching Amazon product page. Prices and availability: Keepa. Every figure on this page names its source.

What we judge this photo equipment on

More of this catalog

All macro lenses compared