What 100mm at f/2.8 actually gives you
100mm is the classic portrait range — long enough to compress features flatteringly without forcing you across the room.
f/2.8 is the working standard for a fast lens — a stop or two of low-light headroom over a kit zoom, and noticeably more background separation.
Size, close focus and filters
At 430g (15.2 oz) it sits in the middle for handling: substantial enough to feel planted, light enough not to dominate the kit.
Maximum magnification is 1x, meaning the subject can be projected onto the sensor at life size or larger — true macro rather than a close-focus marketing claim. It focuses as close as 30cm.
Filters are 67mm — worth checking against what you already own, since polarisers and ND filters at this size are reusable across any other lens sharing the thread.
Autofocus, stabilisation and weather sealing
Autofocus is driven by a Stepping motor.
There is no optical stabilisation in the lens, so handheld steadiness depends on the body having IBIS, or on keeping the shutter speed up.
The barrel is weather-sealed, so rain and dust are a manageable risk rather than a reason to pack up.
