Canon EF 100mm F/2.8 Macro USM vs Canon EF 135mm F/2L USM — Which Is Better?

The Canon EF 100mm F/2.8 Macro USM and the Canon EF 135mm F/2L USM are full-frame prime lenses for the same Canon EF mount, built for different subjects. The 100mm, from 2000, specialises in close-up work. The 135mm, from 1996, is an L-series telephoto for portraits and distant subjects.

The 135mm F/2L is the heavier lens at 1 lb 10.5 oz (750 g), against 1 lb 5.2 oz (600 g) for the 100mm Macro, adding 150 g to the bag. It is slightly shorter at 4.41 in (112 mm) versus 4.69 in (119 mm), but wider at 83 mm against 79 mm.

Both accept front filters, but the threads differ: 72mm on the 135mm and 58mm on the 100mm, so direct-fit filters must be bought to match each lens.

The 100mm Macro is the clear choice for close-ups: it supports life-size 1x magnification and focuses as close as 1 ft (31 cm), so a small subject can fill the frame. The 135mm focuses only to 3 ft (90 cm) with 0.19x magnification, which suits portraits rather than true close-up work.

The 135mm offers a brighter f/2 maximum aperture against f/2.8, which helps keep shutter speeds up in dim venues. Its longer 135mm focal length frames distant subjects more tightly than the 100mm. Both lenses offer autofocus with a manual focusing ring, and both share an 8-blade automatic diaphragm.

Teleconverter support is the practical difference: the 135mm F/2L accepts teleconverters to extend its effective focal length, while the 100mm Macro does not. For stage or field distances, that stretches its reach beyond the native 135mm.

Neither lens offers image stabilization, weather sealing or a fluorine coating, so handheld work in low light relies on shutter speed and support rather than help from the lens.

The 100mm Macro focuses internally, so the barrel does not extend while focusing, which is convenient when working close to a subject. The 135mm F/2L does not focus internally, so its barrel moves as focus changes.

The 135mm F/2L builds its 10 elements in 8 groups around one low-dispersion element, a design that helps control chromatic aberration. The 100mm Macro uses 12 elements in 8 groups with no low-dispersion elements.