Specifications Canon EF 100mm 1: 2.0 USM
The EF 100mm 2.0 can confidently as the 'twin brother' by EF 85mm 1.8 USM call. If you compare the two lenses side by side, only very small differences can be seen.
The lens has a fixed focal length of 100mm and therefore falls into the 'lightweight telephoto' category. Due to the large focal length, the lens distorted almost not at all and is therefore suitable (not least wg light intensity) as an ideal portrait lens.
The lens is as mentioned above full frame fit on a Canon crop camera (crop factor of 1.6 as EOS 40D, 50D, 60D and 350D, 400D, 450D, 500D, 550D ') behaves the fixed focal length from the image cutout forth like a 160mm lens and gives so on Crop a longer portrait lens connected to an ordinary telephoto effect with fantastic exemption. By Crop extension it can be already used well for the zoo.
The light intensity is very good. Portraits are very possible with the lens, thanks to the large maximum aperture, these super indemnify.
The minimum focusing distance is 90cm, which is already quite a lot of 'Macro shooting is only conditionally possible with this lens.
The autofocus motor (ultrasonic motor) works fast and very reliable, manual focusing is also possible (switch MF / AF to the lens). The engine is almost inaudible and therefore the lens can also be used for critical situations (wedding church in absolute silence) without limitation and evil faces of guests / the pastor 100%. The autofocus is identical to the speed with the EF 85mm 1.8.
The filter thread has a diameter of 58mm, the lens barrel does not rotate during focusing, the lens is therefore suitable for circular polarizing filters.
The lens is relatively small + compact for its focal length and maximum aperture (diameter 75mm x 75mm), right light (about 460 grams) and has a metal bayonet. A small viewing window provides information on the current distance to the object.
The lens has 8 diaphragm blades.
Haptics Canon EF 100mm 1: 2.0 USM
The lens corresponds to the average of the lenses in this price range. The body is made of plastic, can still be seen clearly. However, nothing wobbles or has game. The feel is identical to the Canon EF 85mm 1.8 USM
The metal bayonet provides a solid connection to the camera. Manual focus could be a bit sluggish for my taste, it can be turned on easily.
Optical performance Canon EF 100mm 1: 2.0 USM
The optical performance of the lens is in my opinion just great. My model is sharp even at full aperture, from F = 2.8, it is really sharp.
Distortion: Almost imperceptible and equalization at the PC in my view, a waste of time (unless it is the only photo of parallel lines)
Vignette: Sure, there are at full frame and is at full aperture and each scene very clearly visible (at maximum aperture down 1 stop). But I find welcome degree in conjunction with the People Photography and support my imagery.
For whom the Vignette not like: an electronic correction, however, is no problem, otherwise dim helps.
Vignetting on a crop DSLR is not a real issue, thanks to the smaller sensor at maximum aperture.
Chromatic aberration: Available, but better than the EF 85mm 1.8 USM.
Bokeh: Very very good. At maximum aperture already exemplary and remains creamy when stopping down.
Contrasts and colors: are also good, but if not at the level of L lenses (no surprise that already?).
Practical experience with the Canon EF 100mm 1: 2.0 USM
Me have the CA's always really annoyed (degree of white wedding dress, dark suit often visible) and am therefore changed the 85mm 1.8 on the EF 100mm 2.0 USM 'and behold, the 100 has the problems not as extreme.
The 100 is currently my portrait lens degrees when the light is a little weaker.
Canon EF 100mm 1: 2.0 USM 'suitable for whom?
In my opinion, the 100 is the better 85er. Whether one but with the 15mm longer focal length (degree in Crop cameras) live, everyone has to look for himself. For PeopleSoft photographers a truly useful lens with good sharpness, beautiful bokeh and acceptable (for the price) feel
My conclusion for Canon EF 100mm 1: 2.0 USM
As I said, for me is the Canon EF 100mm 2.0 USM * the better 85er. But whether this justifies the extra cost of just over 100 (compared to the EF 85mm 1.8 USM), everyone must decide for themselves.
