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Quick answer
A long macro lens with 1:1 magnification and a generous working distance, popular for insects and skittish subjects.
Pros
- Long working distance
- Sharp
- 1:1 magnification
- L build
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Heavy (about 1.1 kg)
- Very narrow depth of field
Verdict
A specialist macro for distant subjects, best used on a tripod.
About this lens
The Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM is a macro lens covering 180mm at f/3.5 for Canon EF mount cameras, from the Canon L series with ultrasonic-motor autofocus. It is intended for close-up work with small subjects such as flowers and insects.
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 180mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/3.5
- Lens type
- Macro
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1996
- Optical construction
- 14 elements in 12 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.48 m
- Maximum magnification
- 1x
- Filter thread
- 72 mm
- Weight
- 1090 g
- Length
- 186.6 mm
- Diameter
- 82.5 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM?
- Insect macro
- Flowers
- Product close-ups
Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 180mm | 11.4° | 13.7° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 288mm | 7.2° | 8.6° |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Canon EF 180mm Macro have image stabilization?
No. Use a tripod or monopod for sharp close-ups, as the lens is heavy and the depth of field is thin.
What magnification does the EF 180mm Macro reach?
It reaches 1:1 life-size at a long working distance, which helps with skittish subjects such as insects.
EF 180mm L Macro vs EF 100mm macro: which should I buy?
The 180 gives more working distance and is better for wary subjects. The 100mm is lighter, and the 100mm L version adds stabilization.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
