§ 03 Head to head
Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM vs Venus Optics LAOWA STF 105 mm f/2 (T3.2)
Canon 100mm f/2 has a wider field of view. Laowa 105mm f/2 has a longer reach.
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 Venus Optics LAOWA STF 105 mm f/2 (T3.2) is a 105mm f/2 prime. On paper the Venus Optics LAOWA STF 105 mm f/2 (T3.2) comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 3, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
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Key differences
Why is the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM better than the Venus Optics LAOWA STF 105 mm f/2 (T3.2)?
- Wider field of view (100mm vs 105mm)
- 285 g lighter (460 g vs 745 g)
- Smaller filter thread (58 mm vs 67 mm)
Why is the Venus Optics LAOWA STF 105 mm f/2 (T3.2) better than the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM?
- Longer reach (105mm vs 100mm)
- Has a physical aperture ring
- More aperture blades (14 vs 8)
- Newer design (2016 vs 1991)
02
Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM has the edge: it is 285 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM | Venus Optics LAOWA STF 105 mm f/2 (T3.2) |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 100mm | 105mm |
| 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) ◆ | 745 g (26.28 oz) |
| Dimensions | 75 x 73.5 mm | 98.9 x 76 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.9 m (35.43 inches) | 0.9 m (35.43 inches) |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 8 | 14 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 8 elements / 6 groups | 11 elements / 8 groups |
| Filter size | 58 mm ◆ | 67 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Sony E |
| Released | 1991 | 2016 |
| Price | — | $699 launch price |
04
Size
- A · Canon
- B · Venus
- 73.5 × 75 mm
- 76 × 98.9 mm
The Venus Optics LAOWA STF 105 mm f/2 (T3.2) is 2 mm longer and 285 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
Venus Optics LAOWA STF 105 mm f/2 (T3.2)
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Video reviews
07
Questions
- Which is lighter, the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM or the Venus Optics LAOWA STF 105 mm f/2 (T3.2)?
- The Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM weighs 460 g, 285 g less than the Venus Optics LAOWA STF 105 mm f/2 (T3.2) (745 g).
- Do the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM and the Venus Optics LAOWA STF 105 mm f/2 (T3.2) 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 Venus Optics LAOWA STF 105 mm f/2 (T3.2) better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.0 USM has the edge: it is 285 g lighter to carry.
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