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Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM vs Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Verdict at a glance

  • Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is faster by 0.5 stops (f/85.0 vs f/100.0), letting in more light.
  • Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is lighter by 175g.
  • Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM goes wider (85mm vs 100mm).
  • Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM reaches further (100mm vs 85mm).
  • Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM is the newer design (2000 vs 1992).
Specification comparison
Spec EF 85mm f/1.8 USM EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Brand Canon Canon
Mount Canon EF Canon EF
Type Prime Macro
Focal length 85mm (wider) 100mm
Max aperture f/85.0 (faster) f/100.0
Released 1992 2000
Blades 8 8
Format full-frame full-frame
Groups 7 8
Af motor USM USM
Elements 9 12
Weight g 425.0 (lighter) 600.0
Filter mm 58 58
Length mm 71.5 119.0
Diameter mm 75.0 79.0
Min focus m 0.85 0.31 (closer focusing)
Max magnification 0.13 1.0

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

The EF 85mm f/1.8 USM is a fast, compact short telephoto that has been a staple Canon portrait lens since 1992. Ring-type USM focusing and full-frame coverage.

Pros

  • Quick, quiet USM autofocus
  • f/1.8 aperture
  • Light for its focal length
  • Full-time manual focus

Cons

  • Purple fringing at wide apertures
  • No image stabilization
  • Fairly long minimum focus distance (0.85 m)

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

A 1:1 macro lens that doubles as a medium telephoto for portraits. No stabilization, but USM focusing and a comfortable working distance.

Pros

  • True 1:1 magnification
  • Useful working distance
  • Fast USM focus
  • Sharp

Cons

  • No image stabilization
  • Not weather sealed
  • Narrow depth of field at close range

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