What's the difference between these two Canon lenses?

Question

Both of them are Canon macro lenses. One is about two times the price of the other one.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras/$529.00
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-100mm-Macro-Lens-Cameras/dp/B00004XOM3/ref=sr_1_1?
and
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM 1-to-1 Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras/$959.00
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-100mm-2-8L-Macro-Digital/dp/B002NEGTSI/ref=sr_1_2ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1272778863&sr=8-2

I'm planning on getting a Canon EOS 50D in the near future.

Answer 1

Here are a few of the differences:

- One is an L lens, one is not

- L version has IS (image stabilization)

- L version has slightly better build quality



If you're deciding which one you should get, buy the non-L version. Why? It's half the price but is just as sharp as the L version. In my opinion the L version isn't much of an improvement in terms of image quality. And although it features hybrid image stabilization, you probably won't need it much unless you're going to shoot portraits. But of course, purchasing a sturdy tripod can compensate for IS.

Answer 2

L series lenses don't have more coatings, what you are paying the extra for is hand assembly which is very accurately assembled from a whole tray of lens elements by a really experienced assembler. The lens will be as optically perfect as the design allows with no 'production spread'. Add to this that the materials in the lens are are of the highest quality, parts of the lens that are subject to wear have metal rather than plastic parts, the aperture leaves are often Titanium rather than coated steel. The whole construction of the lens is more rugged and is designed to take the mall treatment of equipment that most Pro photographers put their gear through. In this case it also includes adding a degree of weather sealing. Being Canon you have to factor in the extra for a lens hood ! Chris

Answer 3

As has been said, the "L" lens is Canon's pro range - at a pro price! Both are full-frame lenses, so you are paying for glass that the 50D sensor will not be able to use because of it's smaller sensor.



I would seriously consider photoace's suggestion of the EF-S 60 mm f/2.8. It is smaller and lighter than the 100mm macro's and more suited to the size and handling of the 50D, and as he said, it's a usable portrait lens as well.

Answer 4

The more expensive one is built "better" (they call it "L" series), and it has IS, which is their version of image stabilizer.



The sharpness of both are the same per Popular Photography magazine.



This was taken a day or so ago http://www.flickr.com/photos/little_pooky/4566586519/



You know, 100 mm lens will be a bit "long" for your camera if you want to use it for portrait as well. The 50 or 60 mm macro lens will serve as a good portrait lens for you.