Canon Macro 100 2.8 L IS lens build quality?

How does the build quality of this lens compare with other Canon L lenses. I read in a couple reviews that it seems to be of lower quality but the optical quality is fine. Nobody in my area stocks the lens so I can't check it out before purchasing. Also does anyone use this lens with the optional tripod ring? Does it interfere with 1D series bodies? Thanks for any helpful comments.

cristphoto wrote in post #17941652
How does the build quality of this lens compare with other Canon L lenses. I read in a couple reviews that it seems to be of lower quality but the optical quality is fine. Nobody in my area stocks the lens so I can't check it out before purchasing. Also does anyone use this lens with the optional tripod ring? Does it interfere with 1D series bodies? Thanks for any helpful comments.

The build of my 100 L is fine. It's hard for me to compare to other L lenses, but I don't think I will be able to ever wear the lens out.

I bought a Chinese knock-off tripod ring for it. On my 7D2, the ring won't rotate all the way up (for instance to mount a flash on) because it bumps into the protruding built-in flash. The knock-off is quite tight, and that makes it hard to rotate the lens without loosening the ring quite a bit.

A very nice lens, I enjoy the IS.

Some folks have mistakenly questioned the build of the 100mm f2.8 IS macro because of the plastic lens casing. It is engineering plastic, very strong, there is no problem with build quality on this lens.

Not a thing wrong with it, as far as I'm concerned.

It's awesome build quality.

Thanks all for the quick replies. It's hard to imagine an L lens with poor quality. Sometimes reading reviews can be mis-leading.

cristphoto wrote in post #17942018
Thanks all for the quick replies. It's hard to imagine an L lens with poor quality. Sometimes reading reviews can be mis-leading.

As can be the posts in online fora.

The build quality of the lens in question is good. Metal is better, of course, but I don't think you need to worry about the lens falling apart, unless you're being rough on it.

It's not the same as my 35L, 50L or 85L but I'm not concerned about using it. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

It is strong, lightweight engineered plastic. Good stuff.
I don't know why you would want to use a tripod ring on it... really no need.

FarmerTed1971 wrote in post #17942047
I don't know why you would want to use a tripod ring on it... really no need.

The tripod ring can be useful when on a tripod (duh) or macro stand and you want to be able to quickly go from horizontal to vertical, or if you want to use it to mount a flash. I admit I rarely use it for these purposes, though.

FarmerTed1971 wrote in post #17942047
It is strong, lightweight engineered plastic. Good stuff.
I don't know why you would want to use a tripod ring on it... really no need.

The bugs never want to hold still long enough for me to set up a tripod.

cristphoto wrote in post #17942018
Thanks all for the quick replies. It's hard to imagine an L lens with poor quality. Sometimes reading reviews can be mis-leading.

Well, not all L lenses are best quality.. there are some which are actually quite poor quality at some points/parts.

Anyway, despite of having plastic outer body, EF 100 2.8L IS has decent mechanical quality.
My 100L IS left under car's front tire (car drove over it!). Plastic body itself did not have even a scratch, but inner body had a little damage - focus jammed. Lens hood has a little crack. But I repaired it and it's been fully working since that, over one year now. All I had to do was re-shaping the inner tube, so that focus mechanism could move again.

So what is the difference?

People have this mistaken notion of build materials = build quality

panicatnabisco wrote in post #17944874
People have this mistaken notion of build materials = build quality

Most of us admire items that are robust-looking, gleam quality, cost a substantial sum, and have an assuring heft.

It's true that with today's lenses, you don't necessarily get what you pay for, nor does build quality infer IQ.

But the 100L is a fine lens and will satisfy most users in build and also in performance.