The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM and the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is an important deciding factor 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 as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM weighs 600g, 4% (25g) lighter than the Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM's 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 Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM and the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro 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.