I'm about to purchase the Canon 100mm f2/8 macro lens. Anyone have any opinion about the new USM model? How are the optics compared to the older non-USM version? I selected the lens because of it's excellent results as a macro. How is it for other purposes? Does the USM differ in the optical qualities compared to the old version? I figure if the lens only achieves excellent quality results when used as macro, then I won't spend the extra $200 to get the USM. I use manual focus when doing macro anyway.

-- jessie Williams (jessiew12@hotmail.com), May 03, 2001

Answers

Jessie,

I suggest that you go for the USM version if you have the budget. Unique to the 100 USM is that it's physical length is fixed even at 1:1. The benefit is that you have a steadier platform. The handling is also helped by the USM. I tried the older version in the store and found that it is very slow and noisy. In terms of optics, the USM is first-rate. The older version was also good but it has different optics.

Good luck.

-- Alex Tran (alexltran@yahoo.com), May 03, 2001.

The older version has excellent optics, ask any pro or anyone else for that matter who shoots with one. It is often referred to as an L-series lens, but without the red stripe (a testament to how good the optical quality of this lens is).

I own the older non-USM version, and in many situations (shooting butterflies and other highly mobile insects, reptiles and amphibians) the USM would come in very handy.

You have to analyze what you want to shoot, what your interests are and then determine whether or not the USM version is for you. Don't be put off by the age of the older version, the optics are excellent!

-- Yuri Huta (yhuta@essential.org), May 04, 2001.

I appreciate the comments. I'm inclined to go with the new USA version. The point about closeup work with fast moving objects (ie. butterflies) is a good one. Are the optics as good in the new version as the old? I know the older version is excellent.

Thanks again for your comments.

Jessie Williams

-- Jessie Williams (jessiew12@hotmail.com), May 04, 2001.

If you would like to shot butterfly atmost of the time. I suggest you the 180mm Micro (it is more expensive...). Two of my friends have 180mm, because they like to shot butterfly too, and found that 100mm Micro is too short. The len is very excellent, I love this one, but.... My camera is F801s :p

-- Robin Mao (robinmao@mxic.com.tw), May 07, 2001.

Hi Jessie, I have recently switched from the older version 100mm to the new USM. I must say that afterall the diffence probably doesn't justify the switch. I did it mainly for the USM and the new tripod-ring. The latter is really handy and much more beautiful that the generic product from an independent manuf. you can buy in Europe. Image quality judged by a side-by-side comparison of various shots is equal, I guess youd needŽa microscope to see differences. Handling of the new one is better though the older one is surely smaller and takes much less space in my camera bag. Especially considering the new, rather big lens-shade and the tripod-ring. BTW, I almost never used the autofocus with the older, with the new one I do, mainly because it is much more comfortable, instantaneous AF/MF change and no stupid little switch to move. If the money isn't a concern buy the new USM but do also but the lens shade and the tripod ring. The former is a must. For butterflies I use a different setup however, I'd recommend the 70-200/4,0 with a 250 D or the 35-350 with a 500D, both are really handy and give great results. The 180 is also quite nice but lacks the zooming. Cheers Michael

-- Michael Schmidt (mschmidt@xolo.conabio.gob.mx), May 08, 2001.