price difference in canon 100mm lenses?

[aaronou]

I have a question about two lenses that are virtually identical.

There is the Canon 100mm f/2.8 versus the 100mm f/2.0. I am looking to purchase these for portrait shooting mainly. My question is this concerns prices. On several websites ...

the 100mm f/2.8 is $469.95 and ...
the 100mm f/2.0 is $389.95.

It was my general understanding that the faster the lens at the same focal length, the more expensive. These prices contradict that. The only difference in specs is that the 2.8 has groups/elements of 8/12 and the 2.0 has groups/elements of 6/8. Is this what is causing the faster lens to be cheaper?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Unimaxium]

The f/2.8 is a macro lens, which means it can focus much closer than the 2.0. I suspect that's why it's more expensive.

 

[Jakpro]

More elements is more glass is more dollars.

I have the macro and it is an excellent lens.

 

[KoLiBri]

Get the macro, its worth every penny. The two lenses i have in my bag with my 5D are the 100mm f2.8 canon macro and 70-200 f2.8 L USM IS cannon lenses. The macro lens is on there more than my 70-200.