Canon Macro Lens Comparison
Two classic Canon macro lenses — the EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro and EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM — offer different strengths for close-up and nature photography.
This page compares their specifications, handling, and image characteristics to help you decide which best suits your macro work.
EF 50 mm f/2.5 Compact Macro
As Shot
The full field composition shows the mushroom within its pine-needle habitat. Natural lighting with balanced contrast and a pleasing environmental context.
• Size: 6720x4480
Cropped to Approximate 100 mm Macro Framing
Tighter framing approximates the 100 mm macro’s perspective. The lens maintains excellent surface texture and depth, showing how the 50 mm can rival longer macros when cropped.
• Size: 6426x4284
Detail Enlargement
A close crop of the mushroom cap reveals fine tonal transitions and edge sharpness. Demonstrates the lens’s excellent micro-contrast and smooth rendering even when enlarged.
• Size: 2105x1403
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens: EF 50 mm f/2.5 Compact Macro
Settings: ISO 200 • Aperture f/8 • Shutter 0.8 s
Notes
Compact, lightweight, and beautifully sharp at mid-apertures (f/5.6–f/8).
Its short working distance makes it excellent for flat subjects such as lichens or textures where environmental context is desired.
EF 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM
As Shot
Straight out of camera using the 100 mm Macro. Shows natural compression with strong subject isolation and shallow depth of field—classic long-macro rendering.
• Size: 6426×4284
Enlargement
A closer view highlighting the mushroom’s textured cap and tonal transitions. The 100 mm lens delivers excellent micro-contrast and edge definition across fine details.
• Size: 2105x1403
Stacked Focus Composite
A multi-frame focus stack combining 11 images for extended depth. The full mushroom—from rim to stem—is rendered sharply, preserving texture and dimensional realism.
• Size: 5805x3872
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens: EF 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Settings: ISO 200 • Aperture f/8 • Shutter 0.8 s (11-image stack)
Notes
Superb optical performance with more working distance — ideal for insects, lichens with depth, or focus stacking.
Fast, quiet autofocus with excellent edge-to-edge sharpness, even at f/13–f/16.
Specifications
EF 50 mm f/2.5 Compact Macro
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50 mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Lens Construction | 9 elements in 8 groups |
| Angle of View (Full-Frame) | 46° |
| Focus Drive | AFD (Arc-Form Drive) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.5× (1:2), 1:1 with Life-Size Converter EF |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 23 cm / 9.1 in |
| Filter Size | 52 mm |
| Diaphragm Blades | 6 (rounded) |
| Weight | 280 g / 9.9 oz |
| Dimensions (L × Ø) | 63 × 67.6 mm (2.5 × 2.7 in) |
| Mount | Canon EF (Full-Frame / APS-C compatible) |
EF 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 100 mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Lens Construction | 12 elements in 8 groups |
| Angle of View (Full-Frame) | 24° |
| Focus Drive | Ring-type USM with full-time manual override |
| Maximum Magnification | 1.0× (1:1) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 31 cm / 12.2 in |
| Filter Size | 58 mm |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 (rounded) |
| Weight | 600 g / 21.2 oz |
| Dimensions (L × Ø) | 118.6 × 75 mm (4.7 × 3.0 in) |
| Mount | Canon EF (Full-Frame / APS-C compatible) |
⚖️ Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro | EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50 mm | 100 mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.5 | f/2.8 |
| Magnification | 0.5× (1:2), 1:1 w/ converter | 1.0× (1:1) native |
| Min. Focus Distance | 23 cm | 31 cm |
| Working Distance (Front Element) | ~5 cm | ~15 cm |
| Autofocus Motor | AFD (micro) | Ring-type USM |
| Aperture Blades | 6 | 8 |
| Weight | 280 g | 600 g |
| Filter Size | 52 mm | 58 mm |
| Optical Look | Slightly lower contrast, gentle blur | Very sharp, creamy bokeh |
| Best Use | Lichens, textures, flat subjects | Insects, detailed macro stacking |
| Portability | Excellent | Moderate |
| Handling | Light and simple | Balanced, precise, stable |
Field Summary
-
EF 50 mm Compact Macro
Great for lichen photography, bark textures, and small flora.
The shorter focal length increases depth of field, allowing more of the subject to appear sharp in a single frame. -
EF 100 mm Macro USM
Ideal for focus-stacked macro work and subjects requiring distance, like insects or raised lichens.
Performs exceptionally well around f/13–f/16 with ISO 800, especially when paired with tripod shooting and remote shutter control.
Related Links
- Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro — Canon USA
- Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM — Canon USA
- Focus Stacking Guide (Adobe Photoshop)
© 2025 Ray Fraley Photography
All images and text by Ray Fraley unless otherwise noted.