The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro 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 a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM is the longer of the two lenses at 119mm. The Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro with a length of 98mm, is 21mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro has a larger diameter of 81mm compared to the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM's 79mm 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, 15% (110g) lighter than the Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro's weight of 710g.
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
Both the Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro and the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM have the same Filter thread size of 58mm.
Below are links to the 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro 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
Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 65mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
104mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 100mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 160mm.