Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM is an outstanding medium telephoto lens that would rival even the most expensive L glass. The lens practically has no weaknesses - excellent image quality, low level of artifacts, fast and accurate AF system, pretty affordable price.

Is the Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM Lens right for you? Learn all you need to know about the Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM Lens in The-Digital-Picture.com's review!

This compact medium telephoto lens sports a fast f/2 aperture, which will make this lens ideal for low light photography or creative use of shallow depth of field. It sports a silent ultrasonic focusing motor, internal focusing and costs around £380.

I bought my Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM lens in 1996 because I needed a fast lens for concert work; I couldn't afford any of the "L" series zooms. Years later, as I look over the images it's produced, I can say that it's one of the finest lenses I've ever used. [Image above: Chris Cornell himself.

1. Should be an L Lens.2. Best portrait lens out there.3. Amazing aperature. It is really a 1.4 ish lens. (big long explanation)4. Better than the Canon 85mm 1.8 - Owned em both. Skip the 85mm.5. Image Quality. Unbelievable.

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  Consistent Output, Durable, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Nice Bokeh, Strong Construction

This lens is very well built, it may not be fully sealed but in my opinion that's the only thing stopping this having a red ring. The lens does not move either the front or rear element for focussing which means it is naturally reluctant to attract moisture or dust internally.

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  Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, wide aperture

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  no red ring

I bought this lens not knowing what to expect. It was my first prime lens which I got myself and for some reason, I picked this 100mm over the nifty fifty. When I finally received it, it was a really good lens. But when I kept using it over the months, I realized that this was a great lens.

Only sharp with ideal lighting. Other wise not so sharp. Save your money and buy a carl zeiss or l lens or 50mm f1.4 by canon.

Purchased this lens for astrophotography. Color correction is good and stars are sharp to the corners when stopped a little.

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  Fast, Lightweight, Sharp across field

I no longer have this lens, but I really enjoyed it while I did. The quality it produces is really excellent. AF is very quick and responsive and it works great in low light. My only complaint is that the build quality could have been better.

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  Sharp wide-open, fantastic bokeh, responsive AF, physically a small and compact lens for the focal length.

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  build could be more durable..

I use this for outdoor portraits since it allows me to create nice background blur with my full frame camera. If using a crop body, I'd suggest the 85 or even a 50mm lens.

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  Nice bokeh (background blur), quiet and fast focus. No problems after one year.

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  You have to use a fast shutter speed or a tripod. A 100 mm lens needs a steady hold.

The image quality is very similar to Canon's cheaper non-L 100mm macro. However, the IS on this lens is amazing, making that much more useful for macro and other purposes.