Do you wish to know the distinction between Canon EF vs EF-S lenses?
This could be a complicated subject, 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 all the things it is advisable 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 obtained to grasp lens mounts.
What’s a Lens Mount?
The lens mount is the place the place a lens and a
digital camera are available contact. Technically talking, each the digital camera and lens comprise
a part of the mount–and these two options mix to create a working setup.
Observe that completely different lens mounts are created by
completely different producers. A Canon lens mount is completely different from a Nikon lens
mount which is completely different from a Sony lens mount.
Additionally, word that completely different lens mounts are created by the identical producer. This may be for essentially completely different digital camera programs (resembling mirrorless versus DSLRs), however it is also for various kinds of lenses inside comparable digital camera programs (resembling 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 have 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.
Previous to utilizing the EF mount, Canon had been producing cameras and lenses that interfaced via the FD mount. This mount required that the autofocus motor be housed within the digital camera reasonably 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 sorts?
In probably the most primary 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.
However, EF-S lenses are designed to reap the benefits of the smaller APS-C sensor measurement. Canon additionally designed EF-S lenses to take note of the completely different wants of APS-C customers.
Can I Use EF Lenses on Crop
Sensor Cameras?
For those who’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 utilize an EF lens on a crop-sensor digital camera, or do they solely work on full-frame our bodies?
See additionally: Greatest Canon EF Lenses for Completely different Forms of Pictures
Luckily, it’s doable to make use of an EF lens
on a crop-sensor digital camera. Nonetheless, there are a couple of advantages and downsides to
take note of:
Advantages
First, an EF lens could have a narrower discipline
of view on an APS-C digital camera. 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 discipline of view equal to a 480mm lens on an Canon APS-C digital camera.
See additionally: Greatest All-Round Canon Lens
Second, EF lenses are likely to have a extra sturdy
construct than their EF-S counterparts. Many EF lenses, resembling Canon’s L lenses,
are constructed with professionals in thoughts, and might deal with the pains of great use.
Drawbacks
Whereas the slender discipline of view on an APS-C
digital camera could also be appreciated by some photographers, others–primarily panorama
and architectural photographers–will need the widest discipline 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 digital camera with EF lenses.
See additionally: Greatest Huge Angle Lens for Canon
Plus, EF lenses are way more costly than
EF-S lenses. For those who’re on a funds, 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 is determined by the lens.
EF-S lenses have a tendency to stay out farther the place
they interface with the digital camera. If the mount on the EF-S lens is lengthy sufficient,
it may well come into contact with the digital camera mirror, inflicting the digital camera to interrupt.
Nonetheless, not all EF-S lenses have this drawback. Some EF-S lenses have mounts that may interface with out damaging the mirror.
See additionally: Lens Finder: Learn how to Select a Digital camera Lens
So, assuming that you simply’re utilizing an EF-S lens
that safely mounts on a full-frame digital camera, you’ll wish 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 could be a good funds possibility.
EF-S lenses are additionally extra compact in comparison with
EF lenses, which can assist photographers who journey often.
Drawbacks
There’s one massive problem 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 digital camera will provide you with 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 Digital camera?
If in case you have an APS-C digital camera, then you definately’re free
to buy both EF or EF-S lenses. Each will interface simply nice along with your
digital camera physique.
So it’s actually all about your wants as a
photographer.
For Sports activities and Wildlife
Pictures
For those who’re trying to do wildlife, sports activities, or chook pictures, then buying an EF super-telephoto lens is a superb thought. There are actually no EF-S substitutes for these lenses, plus a 400mm EF lens could have the sector of view of a 640mm lens on an APS-C digital camera.
See additionally: Greatest Lens for Hen Pictures
For Panorama, Structure, and
Journey Pictures
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: Greatest Canon Lenses for Panorama Pictures
Canon producers some nice wide-angle EF-S glass. And panorama photographers in addition to journey photographers usually spend hours or days within the discipline, the place a lightweight setup is crucial.
For Portrait and Informal
Pictures
For those who’re taking pictures portraits or walkaround
pictures on an APS-C digital camera, EF-S lenses could be a nice alternative.
They’re low cost, they’re optically spectacular,
they usually’re small–which makes them an amazing possibility for both of most 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.
Nonetheless, 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 digital camera physique.
As a result of each provide some nice optics!