Do you need to know the distinction between Canon EF vs EF-S lenses?
This generally is a complicated matter, particularly for
photographers who’ve solely simply bought a Canon DSLR.
That’s why we’ve put collectively this
information–which can inform you all the pieces it is advisable to learn 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 include
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, observe that totally different lens mounts are created by the identical producer. This is perhaps for essentially totally different digicam programs (corresponding to mirrorless versus DSLRs), nevertheless it may be for various forms of lenses inside related digicam programs (corresponding to full-frame versus APS-C).
The EF vs EF-S distinction is an instance of
this final state of affairs. 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 have 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 the FD mount. This mount required that the autofocus motor be housed within the digicam fairly than the lens.
EF vs EF-S Lenses
When EF-S lenses have been first produced by Canon within the early 2000s, many EF lenses have been already on the scene.
However what’s the distinction between these two
lens varieties?
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’s a variety of EF lenses, many
of them are designed with superior amateurs and professionals in thoughts.
Then again, EF-S lenses are designed to reap the benefits of 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, it is a crucial query.
Can you employ an EF lens on a crop-sensor digicam, or do they solely work on full-frame our bodies?
See additionally: Finest Canon EF Lenses for Completely different Varieties of Images
Thankfully, it’s doable to make use of an EF lens
on a crop-sensor digicam. Nonetheless, there are a number of advantages and downsides to
bear in mind:
Advantages
First, an EF lens may 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: Finest All-Round Canon Lens
Second, EF lenses are likely to have a extra sturdy
construct than their EF-S counterparts. Many EF lenses, corresponding to Canon’s L lenses,
are constructed with professionals in thoughts, and may deal with the pains of great use.
Drawbacks
Whereas the slender 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 doable.
So if you happen to’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: Finest Extensive Angle Lens for Canon
Plus, EF lenses are rather 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 an alternative.
Can I Use EF-S Lenses on
Full-Body Cameras?
That depends upon 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 could come into contact with the digicam mirror, inflicting the digicam to interrupt.
Nonetheless, not all EF-S lenses have this downside. Some EF-S lenses have mounts that may interface with out damaging the mirror.
See additionally: Lens Finder: The right way to Select a Digicam 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 typically less expensive than the
corresponding EF choices, so an EF-S lens generally is a good finances choice.
EF-S lenses are additionally extra compact in comparison with
EF lenses, which can assist photographers who journey continuously.
Drawbacks
There’s one large situation that comes with utilizing an
EF-S lens on a full-frame physique:
They’re designed to undertaking the picture onto a
smaller (APS-C) sensor.
Which implies that an EF-S lens mounted onto a full-frame digicam gives you a heavy vignette, like this:
You’re free to crop this out in post-processing.
However along with including time to your modifying workflow, you’ll lose
pixels–which may slender your printing choices, amongst different issues.
Ought to I Purchase EF or EF-S Lenses
for my APS-C Digicam?
If in case you have an APS-C digicam, then you definately’re free
to buy both EF or EF-S lenses. Each will interface simply high quality along with your
digicam physique.
So it’s actually all about your wants as a
photographer.
For Sports activities and Wildlife
Images
Should you’re trying to do wildlife, sports activities, or fowl 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 may have the sector of view of a 640mm lens on an APS-C digicam.
See additionally: Finest Lens for Fowl Images
For Panorama, Structure, and
Journey Images
If you wish to do any kind of pictures that entails a wide-angle lens, then I like to recommend EF-S lenses.
See additionally: Finest 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 light-weight setup is crucial.
For Portrait and Informal
Images
Should you’re capturing portraits or walkaround
pictures on an APS-C digicam, EF-S lenses generally is a nice alternative.
They’re low-cost, they’re optically spectacular,
and so they’re small–which makes them an incredible choice for both of some of these
capturing.
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.
Nonetheless, Canon provides an adapter that enables
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 must also perceive why EF lenses and EF-S lenses have their place, no matter your digicam physique.
As a result of each provide some nice optics!
