This lens rocks: It is fast, sharp even at f/2.0 and focuses quietly. I do not see any distortion on pictures taken with this lens. Contrast is also very good, while light fall-off is barely noticeable. The bokeh produced by this gem is a joy to see.

Image quality; size; price

It is not weather sealed so some dust may get into the lens

This compact medium telephoto lens sports a fast f/2 aperture, which will make this lens ideal for low light photography or creative use of shallow depth of field. It sports a silent ultrasonic focusing motor, internal focusing and costs around ￡380.

Good build quality; Very good sharpness; Low CA levels; Fast AF

Quite prone to flare; No lens hood supplied

the 100mm f2 is a great lens, and pocket and wallet friendly

quick af; large apperture; good for sports and portraits

none really; slight purple fringing at f2

"nice works only, thanks!"

Released back in mid 1991, Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM along with its 85mm f/1.8 cousin is one of the most affordable medium telephoto lenses in Canon's modern arsenal. Priced at ~US$350 (as of October 2007), it remains within the reach of amateur photographers looking for a portrait type lens.

The Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM Lens - meet the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens' twin sibling. Put these two lenses side by side and you will need to read the numbers to tell them apart. That is a good thing. The 100 f/2 shares the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens' solid build quality.

I bought my Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM lens in 1996 because I needed a fast lens for concert work; I couldn't afford any of the "L" series zooms. Years later, as I look over the images it's produced, I can say that it's one of the finest lenses I've ever used. [Image above: Chris Cornell himself.

This is my favourite astrophotolens. And I use it with success photographing babys in low light situation. You can use in streetphoto without people realising you in fact are zomming in with a 160 mm equivalent mount on a 7D. Recommended!

A true gem! Sharp wide open.

Prone to flares wide open..

This compact medium telephoto lens sports a fast f/2 aperture, which will make this lens ideal for low light photography or creative use of shallow depth of field. It sports a silent ultrasonic focusing motor, internal focusing and costs around ￡380.

I must admit that this is one of the sharpest and most compact tele lenses. It's quite solid, feels well, it's fast, it's crisp. At f2 you can get a really decent result in a low light as well but of course it's a little bit soft at f2.