| Field-test of the Canon EF 180mm
f/3.5L Macro USM lens. Back in 1984, Canon introduced its Macro lens for its manual-type FD lenses that could focus down to 1x (life-size) magnification without the need for an extension tube. That lens was none other than the FD 200mm f/4 Macro. It used a helicoid focusing system to enable it to focus down to 1.9 ft for a 1:1 (life-size) magnification. This type of focusing, however, extended the overall length of the lens when the magnification got larger. At infinity, the overall length was at 95mm. Despite the helicoid design, the FD 200mm f/4 Macro was quite compact for its class, with a dry weight of 780 grams. When the manual focus Canon 35mm SLR cameras and FD lenses made way for the EOS System in 1987, there was only one such lens made available: the EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro. Three years later, the EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro was added to the EF lens group (which has been replaced by the newer, EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM since February 2000). Both versions of the EF 100mm Macro lenses, unlike the EF 50mm type, are able to focus down to 1:1 magnification without the need for an extension tube or the Life-Size Converter (supplied as standard with the EF 50mm). The older 100mm lens used a Micro Motor (MM) with a helicoid-type system to focus from infinity down to its life-size magnification while the new one uses Ring USM and inner focusing to do so. The use of the inner focusing system, unlike the helicoid type, allows the lens to maintain its overall length from infinity down to 1x magnification. Users of the Canon EOS System have been clamoring for a longer focal length EF Macro lens that can also focus down to 1:1 magnification without the need for an extension tube. Canon had responded to this request by introducing the EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM in early 1996. It is the first EF Macro lens to employ both the Ring USM for fast and silent autofocus and the inner focusing system to maintain the overall balance as the magnification increases.
The EF 180mm Macro lens also utilizes an internal floating design, which minimizes fluctuations in aberrations caused by changes in the focusing distance. The delineation is therefore razor-sharp from 1x to infinity. The filter thread size is 72mm and its overall length is 82.5mm while the dry weight (without tripod collar) is only 1090 grams. Despite the reduction of the focal length and the increased in weight over the FD 200mm f/4 Macro lens, the EF 180mm Macro USM does not feel very bulky. In fact, it is quite compact for a lens in its class. Its lens construction is inclusive of three UD glass elements. << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . |
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