The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM and the Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 123mm. The Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM with a length of 119mm, is 4mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM has a larger diameter of 79mm compared to the Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM's 78mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM weighs 600g, which means it is 25g (4%) lighter than the Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM which has a weight of 625g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Macro Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Macro Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM has a filter size of 58mm whereas the Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM and the Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
100mm and the fastest aperture of
F2.8.