I am considering the purchase of a 100 Macro lens to use on a 30D or 7D camera body. I am seeking opions and experience with the IS lens v the non IS lens. Comments welcome.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on March 18, 2010 at 5:41 AM
I've been using the non-IS version for a long time, and mostly for non-macro photos! It's sharp as can be, well constructed and handy for portraits of all kinds. I would buy the new IS version if I were to buy again today.
Posted by Richard Waas on March 18, 2010 at 7:34 AM
I just sold my non-IS version and invested in the new one. I absolutely love it. Extremely sharp and very nice images handheld while up close and personal. Great for that grab shot!!
Posted by Ken Nelson on March 18, 2010 at 10:45 AM
I just traded my non-IS 100 for the new IS. Both are extremely sharp and perform beautifully. The IS is a 67mm filter size so you need to purchase an adapter to use the MR or MT flashes. The adapter works well and can be left attached to the flash when not in use.
I have used the lens on both my 5DMII and 7D. With and without flash and the results are excellent. Makes a great portrait lens also.
I've had the non-is version 100 macro for several years. Besides my 70-200 2.8 lens, the 100 is my favorite lens. Incredibly sharp, solid, and I use it for close-ups and it works great blurring water. The IS would allow a hand hold option, but like the previous poster, mine is usually on a tripod.
Posted by Paul DeCesare on September 19, 2010 at 3:34 AM
I had the 100mm non-IS for a year, using it on a 5D Mark II, and it was PHENOMENAL in image quality and sharpness. I sold it and got the IS in May, which means I had to cough up an extra $400+ to get it. Was it worth is from an image quality standpoint? Nope, the new IS version is equally sharp but no better (and I'm real picky). What I got was the same Macro lens quality with the new hybrid IS. It does help handheld, but again, most macro is on a tripod. Still not worth the upgrade to me, yet. Last category: handheld video... this is where the new hybrid IS shines like the sun, and THAT is worth the upgrade. Regular IS lenses don't work as good as the new IS technology for video. SO, if you don't shoot video, save $400 and throw it at a carbon fiber tripod, and go for the regular macro.
Side note: The new 70-200mm 2.8 IS does NOT have the new Hybrid IS... the DSLR filmmakers are scratching their heads wondering what Canon was thinking, especially since the price is hundreds more for the II version.
Discussion
7 repliesI have used the lens on both my 5DMII and 7D. With and without flash and the results are excellent. Makes a great portrait lens also.
Side note: The new 70-200mm 2.8 IS does NOT have the new Hybrid IS... the DSLR filmmakers are scratching their heads wondering what Canon was thinking, especially since the price is hundreds more for the II version.