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).
| 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