Canon 60 mm Macro Vs. 100 mm Macro

Macro lenses allow you to capture up-close images.

Having the right macro lens can be the difference between great photos and ones with annoying shadows. Canon's 60 mm and 100 mm macro lenses yield high-quality, life-size images for photographers looking to explore the world in close up pictures.

Construction

The Canon 60 mm Macro and 100 mm Macro lenses are built with 12 elements in 8 groups and focus using a silent Ultra-Sonic Motor. At 600 grams, the 100 mm lens weighs nearly twice as much and is almost 2 inches longer than the 60mm. The 100 mm Macro is 0.2 inches wider at each lens's maximum diameter.

Close Focus

The close-focusing distance of the 60 mm lens is 8 inches, while it's 12 inches for the 100 mm lens. The difference in the focusing distances means that you must position the camera one-third closer to your subject with the 60 mm lens than the 100 mm lens. This is an important consideration due to the possibility of the lens casting shadows.

Extras

The 60 mm lens takes a 52 mm front filter and ET-67B hood, while the 100 mm lens takes a 58 mm filter and accepts the ET-67 hood.

References

• Ken Rockwell: Canon 60mm Macro
• Ken Rockwell: Canon 100mm Macro
• SLR Photography Guide: The difference between macro lenses. What Lens is Best? 50mm, 60mm, 100mm or 105mm Focal Length
• USA Canon: EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Specifications
• USA Canon: EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Specifications

Resources

• Picture Correct: Steps to Macro Photography and Tips