Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM § 03 Head to head
Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM vs Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M
Canon 100mm f/2 is 383 g lighter. Zeiss 100mm f/2 focuses 46 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM is a 100mm f/2 prime, and the Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M is a 100mm f/2 prime. On paper the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM 
Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM better than the Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M?
- 383 g lighter (460 g vs 843 g)
- 31 mm shorter (73.5 mm vs 104 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (58 mm vs 67 mm)
Why is the Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M better than the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM?
- Focuses 46 cm closer (0.44 m vs 0.9 m)
- Newer design (2015 vs 1991)
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM has the edge: it is 383 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM | Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 100mm | 100mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/2 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 460 g (16.23 oz) ◆ | 843 g (29.74 oz) |
| Dimensions | 75 x 73.5 mm | 80.5 x 104 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.9 m (35.43 inches) | 0.44 m (17.32 inches) ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | — | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 8 | — |
| Optical construction | 8 elements / 6 groups | 9 elements / 8 groups |
| Filter size | 58 mm ◆ | 67 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF | Canon EF, Nikon F |
| Released | 1991 | 2015 |
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Size
- A · Canon
- B · Carl
- 73.5 × 75 mm
- 104 × 80.5 mm
The Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M is 30 mm longer and 383 g heavier than the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM.
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Sample frames
Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM or the Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M?
- The Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM weighs 460 g, 383 g less than the Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M (843 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM or the Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M?
- The Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M focuses down to 0.44 m, against 0.9 m for the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM.
- Do the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM and the Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM or the Carl Zeiss Milvus 100 mm f/2M better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM has the edge: it is 383 g lighter to carry.
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