Canon EF 100mm F2.8 L IS USM Macro

This lens is very good. Good fast autofocus and reliable colour reproduction.

Eyal wrote in post #12538641
How can the IS "absolutely" help if you mount the lens a tripod?

Because there are instances where you might use the lens at non macro distances, or possibly a case where a tripod is not possible and/or practical.

The argument on my part was because a PP said that IS did not help at macro distances. Again I can understand saying I prefer not to use a tripod at macro distances but saying it doesn't help goes in the face of every review I have seen. Pretty much all reviews agree there is a 1-2 stop improvement handheld at macro distances.

The only difference in IQ that's noticeable is that the L has a more appealing bokeh in harsh situations. That's really about it. Hybrid IS isn't that useful upclose. You still can't handhold shots 1:1 at 1/30. It just doesn't work. But handholding a portrait at 1/30 is doable. So, that's a benefit.