Despite the large maximum aperture, the lens remains compact. Lens group 5 moves for rear focusing, and sharp, crisp pictures are obtained at all apertures. The background blur is ideal for portraits. The USM autofocuses the lens quickly and quietly.
4Compact telephoto lens with large maximum aperture
Rear focusing design, and light weight
Sharp, crisp pictures are obtained at all apertures
Fast USM motor for fast and quiet AF
Yes- its better than the 85. Buuuuut both are loooouuudddd when autofocusing... I wish they would come out with a mii with a silent autofocus. It sounds like someone is chattering their teeth... Other than that, great little lens for portraits and candids- long but small so people dont know ur taking a photo of them... Get it!
Pros: Super-sharp images, Superior build quality, Fast auto-focus, resonably priced, quiet af
If you can only buy one prime and shoot a lot of heads the EF 100 2L USM is the one to buy! Oh sure the EF 135 2L USM may be a bit sharper on film or high-end FF EOS 1Ds XX body and it is a lot more sexy than the more pedestrian EF 100 2 USM. But what the EF 2 USM lacks in sexy it gives back in real world image quality, much lighter weight and saves you enough money to buy another good prime. This is another workhorse lens that splits the range between the EF 85 1.8USM and EF 135 2L USM and because of it is less narrowly defined in what you can do with it.
Depending on your EOS sensor format it can be used for a lot of different subjects and can produce very fine images if you do your part. A bit more money for some reason than the shorter faster EF 85 1.8USM but has the extra reach you may need or want on a smaller format chip EOS body. Similar build to the EF 85 1.8USM which is to say solid feeling with fast and quiet focusing. Another excellent image and value lens IMO.
I recieved this lens for Christmas, hoping for a great portrait lens. And I got just that! This lens is amazing for portraits! The Bokeh is soo buttery! The colour and contrast are right on, and the sharpness is like a razor! Great great lens! The only con is, I wish it had image stabilizer. You either need UBER steady hands, or a tripod. This lens is not ment to go out to a party and get candid shots. But if you're serious about getting a better feel for portrait photography, this is a great starting point! You will not be dissapointed!
Pros: Super-sharp images, Fast auto-focus, great color and contrast, not too large
Cons: not built like a "l" lens
This really is a fine lens. It's quality is outstanding. Even at f/2 the main subject is sharp and contrasty. The usm drive is quiet and fast. It produces photos, in my opinion, nearly as good as the 135mm f/2, at 40% of the price. I can say that because I've owned both lens. Where it doeslag, as with the 85mm f/1.8, is build quality. It may preform like a L lens, but it isn't built like one.
Today, with most of using digitals with ap-s size sensors,the small 85mm is often the preffed choice. But the 100mm, although never as popular, is a great lens. Perhaps one of the best portrait lens you can own.
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