Canon EF 100mm f/2 vs. Canon EF 100mm f/2.8

magdelan

magdelan

Fish?
Other than $100, what is the difference between the Canon EF 100mm f/2 lens and the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 lens? I would think that the f/2 would be more expensive than the f/2.8 considdering the aperture. Any thoughts on which one is better or the pros and cons of each?

Also, how important is the IS in telephoto photography?
 
Last edited:
magdelan said:
Other than $100, what is the difference between the Canon EF 100mm f/2 lens and the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 lens? I would think that the f/2 would be more expensive than the f/2.8 considdering the aperture. Any thoughts on which one is better or the pros and cons of each?
Click to expand...

The f2 is a portrait lens. The f2.8 is a macro lens with focusing down to life size 1:1. The f2 will not focus that close. So if you want a macro lens, buy the f2.8 and you can still use it for portraits just a bit slower (and bigger) than the f2.
 
Just what dipan said. I believe the f/2 is a much older lens as well, unless I'm thinking about something else. As for the IS, in telephoto photography, I consider it very important. In macro photography, I'm generally using a tripod or something else to stabilize my shot, so personally, I don't find it all that important. I use the non-IS 100mm macro, and I've never found myself wishing I had IS on that lens. 100mm also isn't a very long telephoto in the big scheme of things, so even on the rare occasions I use it as a telephoto lens, I really don't miss having IS at that focal length.
 
100mm isn't very long, but I think every lens benefits greatly from IS if you plan to hand-hold. I don't know if you ever plan to shoot video with these lenses, but IS is a wonderful thing, and for me is now practically required even at much shorter focal lengths.
 
Now video I hadn't thought about, since I seldom use my camera for video. I can certainly see the utility of IS at pretty much any focal length for that. For me, when I'm using my 100mm, 99% of the time I'm either shooting around 1/250 or faster, the camera is on a tripod, or both. So, the extra cost of IS simply wasn't worth it. That may not be the case for someone else, so you'll have to give some thought as to how you plan on using the lens.
 
I have a question, one of the 100mm lenses says it is a telephoto, but still has the 1:1 ratio, but the L series lens just says macro. Will the telephoto still do the job as well as the L series, meaning getting as close to the object without losing focus?
 
Basically, anything beyond around 85mm (exact definitions vary) is typically considered telephoto. Any lens that allows you to shoot at a 1:1 ratio is considered macro (I know you know that, so bear with me). So, the two are not mutually exclusive. Both lenses are telephoto, and both lenses are macros. The biggest thing the L series lens seems to have going for it is the image stabilization.
 
IslandCrow said:
Basically, anything beyond around 85mm (exact definitions vary) is typically considered telephoto. Any lens that allows you to shoot at a 1:1 ratio is considered macro (I know you know that, so bear with me). So, the two are not mutually exclusive. Both lenses are telephoto, and both lenses are macros. The biggest thing the L series lens seems to have going for it is the image stabilization.
Click to expand...

The 100 f/2 is NOT a macro lens. It's an older portrait lens. Both lenses behave as a 100mm medium telephoto but only the 2.8 gets you macro capability.
 
Sorry, maybe I should've made my own thread, I wasn't wondering about the f2 and I believe islandcrow was answering my question. I just wanted to know if I could get the cheaper one and still get close to the subject without it getting out of focus
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

JustSalty
Are Sabal Palm branches Safe? (Needing to lower PH) Freshwater
Replies
7
Views
476
JustSalty
JustSalty
D
Balancing a Dual Sump System
Replies
18
Views
705
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
P
IM SR Pro 2 120 AIO Aquarium New Build
Replies
8
Views
529
kharmaguru
kharmaguru
Paul B
Think like a fish
Replies
1
Views
116
Vinny Kreyling
Vinny Kreyling
C
Biota Group Captive Bred Mandarin Dragonet - 4 Month Update
Replies
5
Views
738
OTTOMATIC
O
Back
Top