EF 100mm f/2.8 macro for portraiture.

I work at a camera store and we recently got a used 100mm f/2.8 macro in and was wondering how well it performs as a portrait lens. I currently have the EF 85mm f/1.8 which is a wonderful lens on its own. I am interested in the 100mm for macro work but still want a decent lens for portraits. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Of the 104 people who have viewed my post, could one of you at least tell me where I should have posted this?

I do not own one and have never used one, but it is apparently a very sharp lens that probably lends itself to general use, and isn't all that slow at f/2.8.

Another option you have is to use the 100/2.0 for portraits and add a 25mm extension tube for macro work. (Which is a combination I use)

Might get a better response in the lens section where more people who own the lens can comment. its not a popular portrait lens because there are better options for the money. that doesnt make it bad though. Its very sharp and at 2.8 you can get good background separation. The bokeh is good but falls short of the 135L.

I have one and use it for macro and full face. I makes a wonderful portrait lens, just not as fast as your 85.
You would probably get more response on a thread in the lens forum

I use it for portrait all the time. Great lens.

yeah its great but so is my 70-200 is II 2.8

I had the 100 2.8 macro for a little over a year and it is great for portraits and super sharp to boot. I just found that I liked my 85mm length better and never really shot much macro with it. It is definitely one of the best canon lenses for the price in my book.

I have it I've used it once for portraits it's really sharp. Kinda seemed to focus slower maybe it was just me.

It shouldnt be surprising that a true macro lens would be slower to focus. They are geared in such a way as to facilitate minor adjustments in focus.

Works pretty well for portraits.

I'm currently looking into a 100L or 135L for ring shots at weddings and everyone says the 135L is to go, but I think the 100L would be be best because of the fact that it is macro and just as sharp. I would also assume that the 100L would be great for all around portraiture at a wedding like the example from sansational.

I've used it and love it too. In most shoots, I use my 135L, or 85L 1.2

It's a solid portrait lens and is nice to have in your bag for its dual use. I go back and forth between the 100 2.8 Macro, the 135L and the 85 1.8 for my headshot work. I prefer the 135 as it is a little quicker but you're not losing much with the 100. These were both shot with the 100.

http://www.brianschatz​el.com/christina/e3bed​91e

Good stuff Brian.