Canon EF 100mm F/2.8 Macro USM vs Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM — Which Is Better?
Side by side37 specifications |
Canon · f/2.8 · Canon EF mount
Canon EF 100mm F/2.8 Macro USM
51
SCORE
|
Canon · f/1.2 · Canon EF mount
Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM
71
WINNER
|
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Canon EF 100mm F/2.8 Macro USM and the Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM are both full-frame prime lenses for Canon EOS bodies with EF mounts. Either one covers a full-frame sensor, so both fit the same DSLR system without any adaptation. Their roles differ. The 100mm arrived in 2000 as a macro design, while the 50mm F/1.2L arrived in 2007 carrying Canon's professional L designation. | ||
| Release Year | 2000 | 2007 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |
 In Production | In Production |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. |
N/A | L |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Canon EF | Canon EF |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. |
Canon EOS | Canon EOS |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |
 Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Physical | 43/100 | 100/100 |
Read the Physical ComparisonPhysicalThe 50mm F/1.2L is the shorter lens of the pair, measuring 2.6 in (66 mm) against 4.69 in (119 mm) for the 100mm macro. That length gap matters most when packing a bag, since the 100mm takes up noticeably more room front to back. The 50mm is slightly wider at 3.39 in (86 mm) versus 3.11 in (79 mm). Both accept front filters, but their threads differ, so each lens takes its own direct-fit size. The 50mm uses 72mm filters and the 100mm uses 58mm. | ||
| Lens Weight | 600 g | 580 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point |
79 mm | 86 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. |
119 mm | 66 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |
 Yes | Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. |
58 mm | 72 mm |
| Optics | 80/100 | 86/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsWorking in dim light or isolating a portrait subject favors the 50mm F/1.2L, because its f/1.2 maximum aperture sits far beyond the 100mm's f/2.8. The wider opening lets you keep shooting handheld after dark and blur backgrounds more strongly. The 100mm is the stronger choice for close-up work. It focuses to 1 ft (31 cm) and reaches life-size 1x magnification, while the 50mm stops at 1.5 ft (45 cm) and 0.15x. Its 100mm focal length also frames subjects twice as large from the same spot. Both primes offer autofocus, a manual focusing ring and an automatic 8-blade diaphragm. | ||
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) |
100 mm | 50 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) |
2.8 | 1.2 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 24.415582858783463° | 46.8° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. |
44 mm | 44 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |
 Automatic | Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture |
8020 | 8020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups |
✗ | ✗ |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. |
31 cm01500 | 45 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced |
1x | 0.15x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes | Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes | Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes | Yes |
| Features | Unscored | 32/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesWeather sealing gives the 50mm F/1.2L the edge for outdoor portraits and reportage in rain or dust. The 100mm macro has no sealing, so it needs more care in poor conditions. The other features match. Neither prime offers image stabilization, a fluorine coating or teleconverter compatibility, so handheld low-light work means faster shutter speeds or a tripod with either lens. | ||
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
No |  Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Built In Lens Hood | ✗ | ✗ |
| Lens Hood Type |  Round | Round |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification |
✗ | ✗ |
| Image Stabilization | ✗ | ✗ |
| Construction | 23/100 | 15/100 |
Read the Construction ComparisonConstructionThe 100mm macro uses internal focusing, so its barrel does not extend while you focus closer, keeping a constant working length near a subject. The 50mm F/1.2L does not share this design. Their optical layouts differ. The 50mm F/1.2L builds 8 elements in 6 groups and includes one aspherical element. The 100mm uses 12 elements in 8 groups with no aspherical elements. | ||
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. |
12 | 8 |
| Groups | 8 | 6 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. |
0 | 1 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces |
0 | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration |
0 | 0 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration |
0 | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration |
0 | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |
 Yes | No |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
Choose the Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM for portraits, events and dim interiors, where its f/1.2 aperture and weather sealing pay off. It has carried Canon's professional L designation since its 2007 introduction.
Choose the Canon EF 100mm F/2.8 Macro USM for flowers, insects and small products. Its life-size 1x magnification, 31 cm closest focus and internal focusing make it the practical close-up tool, and its 100mm focal length tightens framing on distant details.