Do you need to know the distinction between Canon EF vs EF-S lenses?
This is usually a complicated matter, particularly for
photographers who’ve solely simply bought a Canon DSLR.
That’s why we’ve put collectively this
information–which is able to let you know every part it’s essential find out about EF lenses, EF-S
lenses, and the variations between them.
By the point you’ve completed, you’ll know
whether or not an EF or an EF-S lens is best for you.
Understanding Lens Mounts
First issues first:
If you wish to perceive the distinction
between EF and EF-S lenses, you’ve bought to know lens mounts.
What’s a Lens Mount?
The lens mount is the place the place a lens and a
digicam are available contact. Technically talking, each the digicam and lens comprise
a part of the mount–and these two options mix to create a working setup.
Notice that totally different lens mounts are created by
totally different producers. A Canon lens mount is totally different from a Nikon lens
mount which is totally different from a Sony lens mount.
Additionally, notice that totally different lens mounts are created by the identical producer. This is likely to be for basically totally different digicam programs (similar to mirrorless versus DSLRs), but it surely is also for various varieties of lenses inside related digicam programs (similar to full-frame versus APS-C).
The EF vs EF-S distinction is an instance of
this final situation. Canon makes each of those lens mounts, however one is designed
to mount on full-frame DSLRs, whereas the opposite is designed to mount on APS-C
DSLRs.
A Historical past of EF Lens Mounts
EF lenses go all the best way again to 1987, whereas
EF-S lenses are a lot newer (they had been created in 2003).
The title ‘EF’ comes from the mechanics of the
lens: EF lenses embody an ‘Electro-Focus’ motor, which permits for digital
focus to be carried out by the lens itself.
Previous to utilizing the EF mount, Canon had been producing cameras and lenses that interfaced by means of the FD mount. This mount required that the autofocus motor be housed within the digicam reasonably than the lens.
EF vs EF-S Lenses
When EF-S lenses had been first produced by Canon within the early 2000s, many EF lenses had been already on the scene.
However what’s the distinction between these two
lens sorts?
In essentially the most fundamental sense:
EF lenses are produced for Canon’s full-frame DSLRs. EF-S lenses are produced for Canon’s APS-C DSLRs.
See additionally: Prime Canon EF-S Lenses for APS-C Cameras
Whereas there may be a variety of EF lenses, many
of them are designed with superior amateurs and professionals in thoughts.
Alternatively, EF-S lenses are designed to benefit from the smaller APS-C sensor measurement. Canon additionally designed EF-S lenses to bear in mind the totally different wants of APS-C customers.
Can I Use EF Lenses on Crop
Sensor Cameras?
Should you’re making an attempt to resolve whether or not to purchase an
EF lens or an EF-S lens, this can be a crucial query.
Can you utilize an EF lens on a crop-sensor digicam, or do they solely work on full-frame our bodies?
See additionally: Greatest Canon EF Lenses for Completely different Varieties of Images
Thankfully, it’s attainable to make use of an EF lens
on a crop-sensor digicam. Nevertheless, there are a couple of advantages and downsides to
bear in mind:
Advantages
First, an EF lens can have a narrower subject
of view on an APS-C digicam. For wildlife and sports activities photographers who require a
lot of attain, that is extraordinarily useful.
For example, a 300mm EF lens finally ends up with a subject of view equal to a 480mm lens on an Canon APS-C digicam.
See additionally: Greatest All-Round Canon Lens
Second, EF lenses are inclined to have a extra strong
construct than their EF-S counterparts. Many EF lenses, similar to Canon’s L lenses,
are constructed with professionals in thoughts, and may deal with the trials of significant use.
Drawbacks
Whereas the slim subject of view on an APS-C
digicam could also be appreciated by some photographers, others–primarily panorama
and architectural photographers–will need the widest subject of view attainable.
So when you’re a panorama or architectural shooter, otherwise you simply need an ultra-wide angle perspective, it’s higher to make use of a full-frame digicam with EF lenses.
See additionally: Greatest Extensive Angle Lens for Canon
Plus, EF lenses are far more costly than
EF-S lenses. Should you’re on a finances, you’ll recognize the cash it can save you by
buying EF lenses as a substitute.
Can I Use EF-S Lenses on
Full-Body Cameras?
That is determined by the lens.
EF-S lenses have a tendency to stay out farther the place
they interface with the digicam. If the mount on the EF-S lens is lengthy sufficient,
it may come into contact with the digicam mirror, inflicting the digicam to interrupt.
Nevertheless, not all EF-S lenses have this downside. Some EF-S lenses have mounts that can interface with out damaging the mirror.
See additionally: Lens Finder: Methods to Select a Digital camera Lens
So, assuming that you just’re utilizing an EF-S lens
that safely mounts on a full-frame digicam, you’ll need to take into consideration these key
advantages and downsides:
Advantages
EF-S lenses are usually less expensive than the
corresponding EF choices, so an EF-S lens is usually a good finances possibility.
EF-S lenses are additionally extra compact in comparison with
EF lenses, which is able to assist photographers who journey steadily.
Drawbacks
There’s one massive problem that comes with utilizing an
EF-S lens on a full-frame physique:
They’re designed to mission the picture onto a
smaller (APS-C) sensor.
Which implies that an EF-S lens mounted onto a full-frame digicam offers you a heavy vignette, like this:
You’re free to crop this out in post-processing.
However along with including time to your enhancing workflow, you’ll lose
pixels–which may slim your printing choices, amongst different issues.
Ought to I Purchase EF or EF-S Lenses
for my APS-C Digital camera?
When you have an APS-C digicam, then you definately’re free
to buy both EF or EF-S lenses. Each will interface simply fantastic together with your
digicam physique.
So it’s actually all about your wants as a
photographer.
For Sports activities and Wildlife
Images
Should you’re seeking to do wildlife, sports activities, or chook pictures, then buying an EF super-telephoto lens is a good thought. There are actually no EF-S substitutes for these lenses, plus a 400mm EF lens can have the sector of view of a 640mm lens on an APS-C digicam.
See additionally: Greatest Lens for Hen Images
For Panorama, Structure, and
Journey Images
If you wish to do any kind of pictures that includes a wide-angle lens, then I like to recommend EF-S lenses.
See additionally: Greatest Canon Lenses for Panorama Images
Canon producers some nice wide-angle EF-S glass. And panorama photographers in addition to journey photographers typically spend hours or days within the subject, the place a lightweight setup is important.
For Portrait and Informal
Images
Should you’re taking pictures portraits or walkaround
pictures on an APS-C digicam, EF-S lenses is usually a nice selection.
They’re low-cost, they’re optically spectacular,
and so they’re small–which makes them an important possibility for both of a lot of these
taking pictures.
Understanding Canon EF-M Mount and
EF-M Lenses
Along with its EF and EF-S lenses, Canon
produces one other lens lineup:
EF-M lenses.
These are designed to work on Canon EOS M
APS-C mirrorless our bodies, not DSLRs.
Nevertheless, Canon provides an adapter that permits
you to mount EF and EF-S lenses on a Canon EOS M physique.
Canon EF vs EF-S Lenses: Conclusion
Hopefully, you now perceive the important thing
variations between EF vs EF-S lenses.
You also needs to perceive why EF lenses and EF-S lenses have their place, no matter your digicam physique.
As a result of each supply some nice optics!
