Canon 100mm f2.8L macro - is this a good lense

I notice that a lot of people are selling this lense; why is that? I was thinking of purchasing this lense but now, I'm having second thoughts...

Probably my favorite lens. I would venture to say that it is the most versatile prime lens due to its IS and great MFD. Stellar performance all around:

- sharp corner to corner
- beautiful color rendition
- excellent IS
- f/2.8
- light weight
- serves as an amazing portrait lens if need be

If you enjoy or want to explore macro, it's an easy choice. If you are wanting it for portraits, it's good, but I'd look at the 135L first.

MatthewK wrote in post #18039954
Probably my favorite lens. I would venture to say that it is the most versatile prime lens due to its IS and great MFD. Stellar performance all around:

- sharp corner to corner
- beautiful color rendition
- excellent IS
- f/2.8
- light weight
- serves as an amazing portrait lens if need be

If you enjoy or want to explore macro, it's an easy choice. If you are wanting it for portraits, it's good, but I'd look at the 135L first.

Pretty much says it all.

It would be the last of my lenses I'd ever part with. I use it for everything from product, to wildlife, to beauty shots. The hybrid IS is insane, I can handhold 1/4s shots with this lens.

People buy it because it is a great lens and they think they will do macro. Then they get bored of macro and sell it.

I do prefer the 135L for portraits, but if you prefer the 100mm FL and/or IS over f2, it can be good for that. It's certainly sharp enough, but the bokeh isn't as nice as the 135L.

I like it because even if I am not doing macro as such, it is great for close-ups, especially hand-held.

Getting a cheap used version from someone who decided they just don't do much macro is probably a good way to get this lens. I've not heard of bad copies for instance and I doubt many folks, if anyone, is selling it because it doesn't meet their expectations.

MatthewK wrote in post #18039954
Probably my favorite lens. I would venture to say that it is the most versatile prime lens due to its IS and great MFD. Stellar performance all around:

- sharp corner to corner
- beautiful color rendition
- excellent IS
- f/2.8
- light weight
- serves as an amazing portrait lens if need be

If you enjoy or want to explore macro, it's an easy choice. If you are wanting it for portraits, it's good, but I'd look at the 135L first.

ejenner wrote in post #18041699
People buy it because it is a great lens and they think they will do macro. Then they get bored of macro and sell it.

These two responses sum it up. Amazing lens for it's intended use (macro), more than suitable for other uses, but better options are available, and people get tired of taking boring pictures of flowers so they sell it.