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Hi, I currently own mainly L series lens's, that I use with my canon 7D and Canon 5D Mk II. I have owned in the past, a Canon 60mm macro and a Tamron 90mm macro. I have sold the two I had and now want to buy either the Canon
EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM (L series) or the EF 100mm f/2.8 USM. I have read good reviews on the none L series one and am drawn to buying it. Has anyone had any experience with these two lens's, and is it worth the extra money for the L series over the none L series. Would the results be far better with the dearer lens or not. Any help appreciated......Thanks Martin
I was lucky enough to borrow the non L 100mm lens a few years back, I loved it!! It was totally different way of shooting for me (only had kit lens at the time!!). Its solidly built, and that f2.8 makes for a reeeeeealy narrow DoF.
Can't comment on the L one . . . . . .thats a little out of my league!!!
From what I read there is little difference optically between the two.
I moved to the 100 LIS from the 60mm macro and the inclusion of IS + excellent auto-focus with the 7D was an amazing benefit for me as I mainly shoot my bugs, bees and butterflies hand-held (I never thought I would use AF at min focus distance as I was a confirmed manual focus user but I now find the AF / IS combo exceedingly useful)
So, unless you think you need the IS / AF, stick with the original 100 macro would be my advice
The IS lens is a perfect match for the 7D. Apart from IS, AF is far superior to the non-IS lens. Stick the 7D in servo mode and the lens will be responsive enough to cope with any front to back movement hand holding brings in.
If you can afford it go for the L version.
or use a tripod and go non iso . same end result imo. In manual mode anyhows. i tend not to use Auto Focus at all . auto seems to be "just out" when i try. so manual does me. All my macro shots are manual mode. If handheld i up the iso.
I've owned the non L, for over a year now the best £400 i've ever spent, as i use a tripod on most macro shoots the IS wont matter as your suppose to switch it off anyway, never use auto focus just live view and zoom it in, also doubles up to a nice portrait lens to , havnt noticed any real diff in photo quality between the 2 , use mine on a 450d and 60d. it really depends on how much you be hand holding it, John.
If your macro work is comprised mostly of static subjects and you work from a tripod, then the non IS lens would probably be fine. If you spend a lot of time crawling around on your hands and knees after creepy crawlies, then the IS is invaluable for getting that extra stop or two that can make the difference.
Hi all, I have now purchased the L series 100mm IS. Very pleased, as sharp as a pin. Martin
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