Canon EF 100mm F/2.8L Macro IS USM vs Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM — Which Is Better?

The Canon EF 100mm F/2.8L Macro IS USM and the Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM are both L-series primes for Canon EOS full frame bodies on the EF mount. The 2009 100mm is a macro lens built for close-up photography, while the 2007 50mm is a fast standard prime with a very wide f/1.2 aperture.

The Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM is the more compact of the two, at 66 mm long and 580 g against 123 mm and 625 g for the 100mm Macro. The 57 mm length difference is the practical one, though the 50mm barrel is slightly wider at 86 mm versus 78 mm.

Different filter threads mean direct-fit filters do not swap between them: the 50mm takes 72 mm filters and the 100mm takes 67 mm. Both lenses accept front filters, so a polariser or neutral density filter is an option on each.

The Canon EF 100mm F/2.8L Macro IS USM is the clear choice for close-up work. Its life-size 1x magnification and 30 cm close focus let small subjects fill the frame. The 50mm reaches only 0.15x magnification and focuses no closer than 45 cm, which keeps it a general-purpose prime rather than a macro tool.

For available-light work and shallow depth of field, the 50mm has the advantage instead. Its f/1.2 maximum aperture is much wider than the f/2.8 of the 100mm, letting in far more light at the same ISO and shutter speed. A similarity in handling helps both: each offers autofocus, a manual focusing ring and an automatic diaphragm.

Handheld close-up work favours the 100mm, which offers image stabilization rated at 4 stops. The 50mm has none, so handheld sharpness depends on shutter speed or a tripod.

Both lenses have weather sealing, which suits outdoor shooting, and neither offers a fluorine coating or teleconverter compatibility.

The Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L USM uses the simpler design, with 8 elements in 6 groups and one aspherical element serving its fast f/1.2 aperture. The 100mm Macro uses 15 elements in 12 groups, including one low-dispersion element to help control chromatic aberration across its longer focal length.

Neither lens uses internal focusing, so the barrel extends during focusing rather than staying fixed. A floating element system is absent from both designs.