Great Macro lens!
Optical Characteristics
With a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 160mm, this lens offers a Short Telephoto perspective.
Macro Lenses
True macro lenses have a magnification ratio of 1:1/ maximum maginification number of 1 or higher
Recommended Applications
*Recommendations are based only on the features necessary to perform the application successfully and do not take into account the relative image quality of different lenses
Wildlife Scenic Photography
Wider, more scenic wildlife shots need anything from 70-300mm in focal length depending on how close you are the particular scene. Singling out individual animals usually requires more powerful telephoto. In telephoto, camera-shake is more problematic and stabilization is very important. Fast ultrasonic focusing is important in capturing fleeting moments.
Technologies
Inner and Rear Focusing System
Many photographic lenses use either all-group focusing (all lens groups are moved together along the optical axis) or front-group focusing (only the front lens group is moved). These systems require far more power from the drive mechanism, limiting auto focus speeds. The need for large front lens groups also limits the potential for compact lens sizes.
Full-Time Manual Focus
Many EF lenses are equipped with a ring-type USM which allows full-time manual focus in AF mode. This means you can manually fine-tune focusing as soon as auto focus is complete, without having to switch to manual focusing mode. Full-time manual focusing on most compatible lenses uses a mechanical system for instant responsiveness.
Full-time manual focus is also possible on some lenses equipped with a Micro USM, such as the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM.
Ultrasonic Motor (USM)
Canon's Ultrasonic Motor (USM) is a lens-based motor to harness ultrasonic oscillation energy. This technology makes focusing precise, virtually noiseless and incredibly quick – some lenses focusing literally faster than the human eye. The USM starts instantaneously and stops the moment focus is achieved, with no overshooting. What's more, the USM requires minimal battery power so you can shoot for longer on a single charge.
Image Stabilizer (IS)
Canon's Image Stabilizer (IS) technology uses a lens shift-type system to detect and correct slight camera shakes. Minute gyro sensors detect lens vibrations caused by hand shake and send a signal to a microcomputer, which controls an IS lens group that compensates movement along the horizontal and vertical axis of the camera. EF lenses with IS technology enable steady shooting at up to four stops lower than is possible with conventional lenses, making them ideal for situations where the use of flash is not permitted or desired.
Specifications
35mm equivalent focal length range: 160mm
Lens perspective: Short Telephoto
Minimum aperture: f32
Image stabilisation: Lens Stabilisation
Ultrasonic motor: Yes
Special lens elements: 15 Elements in 12 Groups
Filter size: 58mm
Weight: 625g
Dimensions: 77.7 x 123mm
Maximum magnification: 1
Recommended applications: Wildlife Scenic Photography
