Do you wish 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 let you know every part you must learn about EF lenses, EF-S
lenses, and the variations between them.
By the time 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 received to grasp lens mounts.
What is a Lens Mount?
The lens mount is the place the place a lens and a
digicam are available in contact. Technically talking, each the digicam and lens comprise
a part of the mount–and these two options mix to create a working setup.
Note 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.
Also, notice that totally different lens mounts are created by the identical producer. This may be for essentially totally different digicam programs (comparable to mirrorless versus DSLRs), however it is also for various varieties of lenses inside related digicam programs (comparable 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 History of EF Lens Mounts
EF lenses go all the way in which again to 1987, whereas
EF-S lenses are a lot newer (they had been created in 2003).
The identify ‘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.
Prior 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 had been first produced by Canon within the early 2000s, many EF lenses had been already on the scene.
But 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: Top Canon EF-S Lenses for APS-C Cameras
While there may be a variety of EF lenses, many
of them are designed with superior amateurs and professionals in thoughts.
On the opposite hand, EF-S lenses are designed to reap the benefits of the smaller APS-C sensor measurement. Canon additionally designed EF-S lenses to consider the totally different wants of APS-C customers.
Can I Use EF Lenses on Crop
Sensor Cameras?
If you’re attempting to resolve whether or not to purchase an
EF lens or an EF-S lens, this can be a vital query.
Can you employ an EF lens on a crop-sensor digicam, or do they solely work on full-frame our bodies?
See additionally: Best Canon EF Lenses for Different Types of Photography
Fortunately, it’s potential to make use of an EF lens
on a crop-sensor digicam. However, there are just a few advantages and downsides to
consider:
Benefits
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 occasion, 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: Best All-Around Canon Lens
Second, EF lenses are likely to have a extra sturdy
construct than their EF-S counterparts. Many EF lenses, comparable to Canon’s L lenses,
are constructed with professionals in thoughts, and might deal with the trials of significant use.
Drawbacks
While 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 potential.
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: Best Wide Angle Lens for Canon
Plus, EF lenses are far more costly than
EF-S lenses. If you’re on a funds, you’ll admire the cash it can save you by
buying EF lenses as an alternative.
Can I Use EF-S Lenses on
Full-Frame Cameras?
That is dependent 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 may possibly come into contact with the digicam mirror, inflicting the digicam to interrupt.
However, 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: How to Choose a Camera Lens
So, assuming that you simply’re utilizing an EF-S lens
that safely mounts on a full-frame digicam, you’ll wish to take into consideration these key
advantages and downsides:
Benefits
EF-S lenses are usually less expensive than the
corresponding EF choices, so an EF-S lens generally is a good funds possibility.
EF-S lenses are additionally extra compact in comparison with
EF lenses, which can assist photographers who journey ceaselessly.
Drawbacks
There’s one huge concern 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 provides you with a heavy vignette, like this:
You’re free to crop this out in post-processing.
But along with including time to your enhancing workflow, you’ll lose
pixels–which may slender your printing choices, amongst different issues.
Should I Buy EF or EF-S Lenses
for my APS-C Camera?
If you will have an APS-C digicam, then you definately’re free
to buy both EF or EF-S lenses. Both will interface simply nice together with your
digicam physique.
So it’s actually all about your wants as a
photographer.
For Sports and Wildlife
Photography
If you’re trying to do wildlife, sports activities, or fowl pictures, then buying an EF super-telephoto lens is a good concept. 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: Best Lens for Bird Photography
For Landscape, Architecture, and
Travel Photography
If you wish to do any sort of pictures that entails a wide-angle lens, then I like to recommend EF-S lenses.
See additionally: Best Canon Lenses for Landscape Photography
Canon producers some nice wide-angle EF-S glass. And panorama photographers in addition to journey photographers usually spend hours or days within the subject, the place a light-weight setup is important.
For Portrait and Casual
Photography
If you’re taking pictures 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 a fantastic possibility for both of these kind of
taking pictures.
Understanding Canon EF-M Mount and
EF-M Lenses
In addition to 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.
However, Canon presents 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 must also perceive why EF lenses and EF-S lenses have their place, no matter your digicam physique.
Because each provide some nice optics!