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Lens · prime

Canon FD 100mm f/2.8

Canon · from 1971

Vintage35mm

Canon FD 100mm f/2.8: 5 elements in 5 groups, 6 aperture blades, 1m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 270g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FD100mm f/2.8 (March 1971); FD100mm f/2.8 S.S.C. (March 1973); New FD100mm f/2.8 (June 1979).

Focal length
100mm
Max aperture
f/2.8
Mount
Canon FD
Format
35mm
Elements / groups
5 / 5

Known for

  • Portraits
  • Nature
  • Events
  • Budget telephoto

Considerations

  • f/2.8 limits low light capability
  • 6 aperture blades

Optical characteristics

Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.

Sharpness (wide)4, level 4 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast4, level 4 of 5
Flare resistance4, level 4 of 5
CA control4, level 4 of 5
Vignetting control4, level 4 of 5
Distortion control5, level 5 of 5

Bokeh: Smooth for moderate speed

Rendering: Clean telephoto look

Colour: Neutral

Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.

Versions

FD / FD S.S.C. (breech-lock)

1971-1979

Chrome breech-lock ring; S.S.C. marking from 1973; 55mm filter

5 elements in 5 groups, 8 blades, 360-430 g

New FD

1979-1989

All-black, bayonet-style mount; 52mm filter

5 elements in 5 groups, 6 blades, 270 g

Common issues

  • Focus ring wear
  • Sticky aperture
  • Focus wear

Buying guide

Check aperture and focus operation.

Specifications

MountCanon FD
Focal Length100mm
Max Aperturef/2.8
Min Aperturef/32
Aperture Blades6
Min Focus1m
Filter Size52mm
Weight270g

Optical design

FormulaTelephoto
Elements5
Groups5
CoatingSSC (Canon)

Pricing

Typical used price
£40 - £80
Mint
~£100

Indicative, no dated source.