I know this is a macro lens but it can also be used as a good portrait because of the focal length and IS. I have a canon 85mm 1.8 but I step It down to 2.8 anyways for more sharpness. Anyone here use the canon 100mm 2.8l strictly for portraits? How is the autofocus speed on it? I heard it is slow.
I don't use it "strictly" for portraits... that'd be a waste of some beautiful close-up capability... but sure, I do indeed use the 100 L for portraits. Perfect focal length, superb optical quality, reasonably fast, nice bokeh, fast AF, and even IS. In fact, I'll go so far as to say that this lens is UNDERRATED for portrait work, often in favor of the 70-200 f2.8 L. But I love the size and weight of the 100 L, as well as everything else I've mentioned. Plus, I notice that whenever I check the lens correction box in ACR, virtually nothing changes. It must be THAT good right out of the gate.
Another thing I like about this lens is NEVER having to worry about DISTANCE. That is, because it's also a macro lens, I can put it on and use it from a distance, closeup, or whatever. The 85 1.8, though I enjoy using it, is absolutely useless at close distances, with a rather severe minimum focus range. Plus, no IS and some rather severe purple fringing. I love the lens, but it's not as versatile as the 100 L.
Years ago, I had the terrific Canon FD 100mm f2.8 which I used with my old F1 film bodies. With its all-metal body, broad focus ring sweep, and amazing IQ, it was one of my favorite lenses. And it didn't even have genuine macro capability. Though the EF 100 L lacks that "old school" all-metal feel, it's becoming one of my favorite lenses to keep on a body.
