I bought this lens as my first macro to go with my 600D and for me (having been away from SLR's for over 10yrs) it took a bit to get used to. We went for a spin in the Botanical Gardens during mostly sunny weather to test it out.

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM ($599.99 direct) is a telephoto lens for Canon cameras that can focus close enough to capture objects with true 1:1 magnfiication. It is adequately sharp, even at its maximum aperture, but does suffer from some optical issues in certain high-contrast situations.

Prone to color fringing; Lens hood not included.

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM ($599.99 direct) is a telephoto lens for Canon cameras that can focus close enough to capture objects with true 1:1 magnfiication. It is adequately sharp, even at its maximum aperture, but does suffer from some optical issues in certain high-contrast situations. There are other macro lenses of similar focal lengths available for Canon cameras, including the company's own EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM—part of its top-end L series of lenses—as well as the manual focus Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 2/100($645.00 at Amazon)—but both will put a bigger dent in your wallet than this relatively inexpensive lens. The lens is rather compact when you consider its focal length, aperture, and close focus capability. It measures 4.7 by 3.1 inches (HD) and weighs about 1.3 pounds. Standard 58mm filters are supported, and the front element doesn't rotate so using a polarizing filter is possible if desired. There is a focus limiter switch on the lens, so you can set it to...

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM may not be the company's top of the line macro lens, but it does capture sharp images with 1:1 magnification.

Sharp images; 1:1 magnification; Inexpensive

Prone to color fringing; Lens hood not included; No image stabilization

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.

I find the lens works well even in cold weather and produces a sharp clean image. It give a greater stand off distance than the 50mm with as good results. I am currently using a 10D and have found no issues, works well with the existing flash.

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.

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...

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.

If you want to jump into macro photography making compromise in image quality, this lens is the perfect choice, here is why: - Very good image quality, L rated. - Nice build quality. - A joy to use the very large focusing ring. - Pretty good for portrait too.

A bargain; sharp image; build quality; large and nice focusing ring

maybe a bit heavy

Exellent value for great macro ability and portrait work. Canon delivers with this lens.

Sharp images; great depth of field and bokeh

The lens is heavy and kind of long; No image stabilization