Most users won't be disappointed – though sharpness is average, fringing control is top notch.

Excellent build quality; first-rate chromatic aberration control; USM

Average sharpness; expensive

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro is one of two new 100mm macro lenses in Canon's range, the other being the more expensive L-series optic, the CanonEF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, which has the advantage of a new Hybrid IS system.

A 100mm macro lens has long been the standard for photographers using full-frame cameras. The magnification of the 100mm lens provides sufficient working distance from most subjects and does not add a lot of weight or bulk compared to shorter macro lenses.

A little friendly competition is always good. In the case of playground battle between Canon and Nikon, the shooters usually win, and Canon's much-delayed response to Nikon's fantastic 105mm f/2.8 macro lens, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro ($900) has win written all over it.

If you do close-up work, and you're looking for a good overall 2nd lens to go with that new camera, the EF 100mm f/2,8 Macro makes an excellent choice. Ideally coupled with a full-frame sensor film or digital camera, excellent results can also be achieved with this lens when combined with digital...

More than three years after Nikon's groundbreaking 105mm f/2.8 VR macro , Canon has shot back with a $1,000 (street) fullframer, its first 1:1 close-up lens with image stabilization.

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens is an excellent macro lens - and may be Canon's most fun per dollar lens. This is the lens I most frequently recommend for someone starting out in macro photography – at least most frequently recommend until the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens was...

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM macro may be a comparatively old lens by now but it's still capable of playing in the top league - easily. It provides sharp images straight from f/2.8 and it's downright excellent between f/4 and f/8.

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro is one of two new 100mm macro lenses in Canon's range, the other being the more expensive L-series optic, the CanonEF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, which has the advantage of a new Hybrid IS system.

There are virtually no criticisms of this lens that we can come up with! The build is a little short of L quality, but is still well built. The optical performance is first class with no nasty or disappointing surprises and as for the handling, it's a pleasure to use.

Good build quality; Very good optical performance; Nice handling with no extending front element

A little pricey; but you get what you pay fr; Still no hood included in the price