When searching for the longest macro lenses currently available on the market, the Canon 180mm Macro lens was one of the first ones I noticed. Existing in one form or another since 1933, Canon continues to design and implement a number of new technologies in their cameras and camera accessories to make the photo experience that much better. With features like an internal floating optics system and and high speed focusing, it seemed like a good idea to further evaluate this macro lens' performance. In order to get a closer look, the product specifications, claims made by the company and benefits from use were inspected in detail. The following is the result of that investigation and will hopefully make the decision process for those interested in this lens much easier.

First on the list is a review of the Canon 180mm Macro Lens' product specifications. The lens construction is a complex system of 14 elements in 12 groups and provides a clear image with no ghosting or lens flare. The inner focusing system powered by an ultra sonic motor is able to focus quickly and quietly while maintaining its original length and shape. The diagonal angle of view of this lens is approximately 13.5 degrees and the filter size of the lens is 72 mm. This is the largest and heaviest lens that Canon makes: measuring 3.2 inches by 7.3 inches and weighing roughly two and a half pounds.

Canon makes a number of claims in regards to how this 180 mm macro lens functions. The first claim is that the macro lens is capable of taking life-size (1:1) close-ups of natural items such as bugs without disturbing them, thanks in part to the quick and quiet focusing provided by the ultra sonic motor and the additional distance one can maintain between the camera and the object. The internal floating optics system is touted to minimize fluctuations in color/chromatic aberrations that can be caused by focusing distance variations.

There are several benefits to using this Canon macro lens for up-close photography. Most notably, the sharpness of the picture quality is great throughout center and edges even when at maximum aperture (f/3.5). The bokeh produced by this lens is great and helps to create a smooth, out-of-focus background. The Canon 180 mm lens also has the longest life-size (1:1) macro working distance of any lens, making it very easy to get up-close and personal without actually have to do so.

For those serious photographers who are willing to spend a pretty penny on a professional lens, this Canon 180 mm lens provides a plethora of benefits and can be used in a variety of situations. While portability is not its strong-suit, one will want to take this lens with them everywhere he or she goes as it can be used for nature photography as well as up-close portraits. Regardless of what a professional photographer may be desiring to shoot, the Canon 180mm Macro lens performs well in virtually any macro lens circumstance and will make an ideal addition to one's lens collection.