100mm Macro meets IS, originally uploaded by aw-photo.

Finally, Canon puts out a 100mm Macro with Image Stabilization.

After a couple of weeks, here’s my quick view of this lens:
1. Quality of Construction – 6
For a plastic enclosure, the lens feels good.  But it’s is plasticy and not metal.  Canon should be ashamed for packaging any L glass in plastic.  L is for luxury too!
2.  Sharpness – 10
This lens is the sharpest lens I own at 2.8.
3.  Image Stabilization – 9
I can capture noticeably sharper shots at up to 4 stops.  In my opinion, this alone justifies the additional premium in price over the non IS, non L prime.  If you are a tripod homer, it won’t be worth your money.
4.  Focusing – 9
Speed is slightly better in close up applications, but still slow.  But all 1:1 macros are slower in comparison to non macro glass.
5.  Image Quality – 10
Sharpness is a separate index in my opinion, but other factors that impact IQ are scored here.  Color, saturation is jaw droppingly superb.  CA, Pincushioning and Barrel Distortion are non-existent.

So how much better is it over the 100mm 2.8?  In my opinion, it’s superior, but you have to pixel peep to notice.  The only siginificant reason to pick the L over the non L is for image stabilization.  The better you are at holding glass still, the more F Stop gains you will get from it’s IS technology.  It’s very effective.  The plastic like housing is the only (but glaring) black eye of this superb performer.

Overall Score:  8.8