Designations used in the names of Canon lenses. What concepts are hidden under the markings of Canon lenses and how to decipher them
As you may have guessed, Canon has a whole carload of lenses. There is everything for every type of shooting. Not long ago, STM lenses became available for sale.
They come in the “Whale” configuration of new models of Canon SLR and amateur cameras.
What are STM lenses? STM is a focusing mechanism technology based on the use of a stepper motor (motor).
This lens is easy to recognize; it has a special STM marking. On at the moment Canon has only 4 STM lenses, more on them later.
So, what benefits does STM give us? I’ll say right away that this will not affect the image quality (well, or not at all significantly). Because the glass remained the same, only the motor that rotates the focusing lens of the lens was changed, now the front lens does not rotate and you can use any filters without any obstacles. The main advantage of the STM motor is fast and silent focusing.
At first glance, it is not inferior to USM lenses, but the difference lies in the design and grouping of lenses; USM uses a completely different grouping of optical elements, which not only makes it possible to shorten the stroke of the focusing lens, but also to avoid the impact of these changes on the focus speed and image quality. The main goal of the developers of STM lenses was to equip a camera with tracking focus for video mode.
Focus tracking (in video mode) is a new and highly sought after feature of DSLR cameras. But using old “kit” lenses was impossible because... focusing on them occurs slowly and with a characteristic, loud hum of the motor. Because all future camera models will be equipped with this function, I dare to assume that the old models of “whale” lenses will be discontinued, and in the future we will no longer hear this whirring of “prehistoric motors” when shooting. And the “whale” will now have an STM motor.
There are a few more changes, for example, the 18-55 IS STM, unlike its predecessor, has not a 6, but a 7-blade diaphragm and has stabilization capable of maintaining up to 4 exposure levels (as the manufacturer claims), which I very much doubt, just like in most stabilizers. Below is a list of Canon STM lenses as of fall 2013.
An updated kit with silent focusing for video shooting, but in fact it is no less useful for photo shooting, because the focusing speed has increased significantly compared to its older brother. Use is only possible for systems with an EF-s mount, due to the difference in how the lens fits on the body.
The EF-s mount is installed on all “cropped” SLR cameras. Its main advantage is the price; it is cheap and, if used correctly, will work perfectly. (You can really take good photos with it, the main thing to remember is that it’s a person taking pictures, not a camera)
It has all the advantages of the lens described above and has a more universal focal length. But at the same time, in my opinion, its cost is slightly overpriced, like most ultrasonics, but again, with the right approach it will work. Although it gives a slightly better picture than 18-55.
Remember that STM's main priority is smooth focusing when shooting video on new Canon cameras. As an alternative (if the focus on video is not important), I advise you to purchase 17-85 USM, it is a little old, but for today’s price it is one of the best offers on the market for “cropped” cameras (price-quality).
Not a very cheap zoom, telephoto for EF-s cameras. I can’t say anything specifically, I haven’t held it in my hands and I find this focal length range inconvenient. Its previous version disappointed me for a long time; at a cost of over 10 thousand rubles, sharpness can be observed only with a closed aperture. I don’t recommend taking it, besides, 70-200 4L can now be found for not much more.
Good compact prime lens. As you probably know, any prime lens is better than a zoom lens. Initially, Canon positioned it as a lens for shooting DSLR video. Aperture 2.8, compact size, silent focusing, focal length 40mm, what else is needed for video. but as it turns out, it’s great for various types shooting and was loved by many photographers.
Low cost and small size do not lighten the wallet or make the bag heavier. A good picture of an inexpensive prime lens with silent focusing. +unusual appearance, for which he was nicknamed “Pancake”.
Of course, STM is an excellent solution for upgrading cheap lenses, when I was shooting with a “whale” 18-55, and the speed of focusing with the sound of birds flying away really upset me, but today for beginning photographers there is more convenience and variety, even in volume focus of a “whale” lens))
The website continues the series of articles about the markings and symbols of lenses from global photographic equipment manufacturers. In the last PhotoHack we discussed in detail. Today we’ll talk about their “sacred enemy” and, concurrently, the world leader in the production of photographic equipment - Canon.
Before starting the story about the labeling of Canon lenses, let's make a short excursion into history: in 1987, the Japanese company offered the market a fundamentally new electro-optical photographic system - Canon EOS. Unlike its main competitor, Canon did not modernize the obsolete FD mount, but created a new type of EF mount, which met all the requirements of the new time and was the basis of the advanced Canon EOS system. This was a very bold step for the company. Canon could have lost a significant part of its customers, but, as they say, risk is a noble cause. Professionals highly appreciated the advantages of the new system and began to update their fleet of equipment. And for the average person, Canon launched a powerful promotional campaign in which it praised the simplicity and miraculous automation of EOS consumer cameras.
So, the first thing we see in the marking of any Canon lens (for example, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM) is an abbreviation indicating the type of mount. Today, the EF mount has modifications EF-S and EF-m, which have both common and distinctive features from the main mount. Let's look at each of them in more detail.
E.F.(Electro– Focus) – the name of the bayonet mount of the Canon EOS system, which replaced the Canon FD mount produced from 1971 to 1987. EF is short for English electro– focus (electro-focus). The presence of the abbreviation EF in the lens name indicates not only its compatibility with all EOS cameras, but also imposes a number of other “default” characteristics. First, the bayonet mount has no movable mechanical connections between the camera and the lens: they are replaced by electrical contacts. Autofocus and aperture control is only possible electromechanically from the camera body. Secondly, all EF series lenses have a built-in autofocus drive motor.
As a result, buying a lens with the abbreviation E.F., you can be sure that it is compatible with all Canon EOS digital and film cameras without any restrictions and that it has autofocus regardless of the level of your camera (or professional).
The Canon EF bayonet mount is not compatible with the Canon FD mount. Of course, there are special adapters for working with old manual lenses on EOS cameras, but they are not compatible with all lenses in the FD line and have a number of limitations.
EF-S (Electro– FocusShortbackfocus) − designation of lenses designed specifically for digital SLR cameras (). Canon EF-S lenses appeared in 2003 along with the release of the first amateur digital SLR camera, the Canon EOS 300D. The letter “S” in the abbreviation “Short back focus” indicates a shorter distance from the rear lens to the matrix. Therefore lenses E.F.– S not compatible withE.F.-bayonet mount . But cameras using the EF-S mount work great with EF lenses. This means that the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens will work on both the EOS 1100D and EOS 7D, but you won't be able to use it on cameras with full-frame sensors (EOS 5D Mark II) or professional reportage cameras with APS-H sensor format (EOS 1D Mark IV).
Today, the Canon EF-S bayonet mount is used in the following cameras: EOS 7D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D, 300D, 350D, 400D, 450D, 500D, 550D, 600D, 1000D, 1100D and their modifications.
EF-M (Electro– FocusMirrorless) − lenses and mount type designed specifically for Canon EOS M mirrorless cameras. Lenses EF-M not compatible with mountsE.F. – S AndE.F. . But the latter can work with a Canon EOS M camera using a special Mount Adapter EF-EOS M.
Since Canon's EOS M mirrorless system was only introduced in 2012, there are currently only two EF-M lenses available: the Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM and the Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. According to rumors, Canon will expand its line of mirrorless cameras and lenses for it.
T.S.– E (Tilt– ShiftEOS) − Canon non-autofocus lenses, with the help of which it is possible to correct the perspective of the image by shifting or tilting a group of lenses relative to the optical axis. Unlike its main competitor, Canon TS-E lenses have aperture adjustments from the camera body.
After the abbreviation indicating the type of mount or its modification, the marking of Canon lenses also indicates the maximum possible. For example, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II (you can read its review on our website) or, in the case of a zoom lens, EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM.
50 mm, 18-135mm− focal length of a particular lens. Zoom lenses first indicate the minimum and then the maximum focal length.
f/1.8, f/3.5-5.6− maximum possible aperture values. All zoom lenses have two values: for the minimum and maximum focal lengths of a particular lens. In our case, at 18mm the maximum possible aperture value will be 3.5, and for 135mm – 5.6.
L (Luxury)− the red letter “L” paired with a red ring around the front lens indicates professional Canon lenses. They are characterized by high image quality, high price, heavy weight and the presence in the design of fluorite, ultra-low dispersion or ultra-low dispersion elements, anti-reflective coatings, etc. Many lenses in this series are protected from dust and moisture.
IS (Image Stabilizer)− indicates that the lens has image stabilization. Also, the inscription “Image Stabilizer” is indicated on the lens body, near the bayonet mount. Canon first introduced in-lens image stabilization back in 1995. The Image Stabilizer system is currently in its fifth revision and allows you to take pictures with shutter speeds five stops longer compared to lenses without stabilization. For example, to avoid blur when shooting a static subject using an “unstabilized” Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens, you need to set the minimum shutter speed to 1/125. Using the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, you can shoot the same object without blurring at a shutter speed of 1/5.
II− as in the case with, the Roman numeral is used when the lens model was updated, but the marking itself remained similar to the previous version: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM – Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II – Canon EF 50mm f/1.8. There is an opinion that the Roman numeral “II” denotes the generation of stabilization technology, which is not true.
USM (Ultrasonic Motor)− ultrasonic drive of the lens autofocus system. This drive is characterized by high focusing speed, low power consumption, and no high level noise. Very often, lenses with a USM drive have a gold ring around the front lens and the Ultrasonic inscription. Professional “L” series lenses also have the Ultrasonic inscription on the body.
Canon uses two types of USM motors: ring-type USM and micromotor USM (its newer version is called Micro USM II). The first type is used in professional lenses and lenses in the mid-price segment, and the second type in cheaper ones. The average user should definitely know that lenses with ring-type USM motors have the function FT-M (Full Time Manual), which allows you to manually adjust focus regardless of the selected focus mode (analogous to Nikon’s M/A system). USM lenses with a micromotor (and, accordingly, Micro USM II) do not have such a function and can break if manual focusing is carried out in autofocus mode. The only exception is the Canon EF 50 f/1.4.
STM (Stepper Motor)− new autofocus drive technology, which provides multiple rapid movements of the focusing group of lenses over short distances, and with extremely low level noise. Lenses with STM motors are designed to work primarily with cameras that provide phase focusing using a matrix. At the moment this is only .
The main markings may contain the names of specialized lenses: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro or Canon EF 8-15mm f/4.0L fisheye USM. These names speak for themselves and do not need explanation.
In the Canon optics lineup there are two lenses whose names (including on the body itself) contain the abbreviation DO: EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS USM and EF 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM.
DO (Diffractive Optics)− lenses marked with this abbreviation are characterized by the presence of diffractive lenses in the optical design, which are designed to combat chromatic aberrations and distortion.
Canon also has the Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 lens SF (Soft Focus), which allows you to control the defocus of the image and control the degree of spherical aberrations in the foreground or background of the image.
All of the above abbreviations, numbers, letters and designations refer to markings that are indicated on the lens or accepted for classification within the optics line. But there are also designations that can be found in instructions, catalogs, official descriptions on the website, etc. They mainly concern the optical properties of the lens and the focusing method.
IF (Internal Focusing)− lenses of a monoblock design, in which focusing occurs by moving only the internal groups of lenses. Thanks to this, IF lenses do not change their size when focusing and their front element does not rotate, which makes it convenient to use gradient filters. The internal focusing system is implemented in most and some.
RF (Rear Focusing)− lenses in which only the rear group of lenses is used to speed up focusing.
Float− a system of floating lenses in the lens, used to eliminate aberrations when shooting at short distances.
AL (Aspheric Lens)− lenses have aspherical lenses in their design to combat spherical aberrations. Used in almost all EF lenses.
UD (Ultra-low dispersion)− lenses with low dispersion (scattering). Used in most lenses to minimize chromatic aberrations.
S-UD(SuperUltra-lowdispersion)− lenses with ultra-low dispersion (scattering). Almost all chromatic aberrations are removed. Used in many L-series telephoto and super-telephoto lenses and wide-angle lenses.
CaF2 (Fluorite) − indicates the presence of fluorite lenses in the lens to eliminate chromatic aberrations. Used in super telephoto lenses.
C.A.(CircularAperture) − involves the use of specially rounded aperture blades in order to obtain the “correct” bokeh.
In short, this is all I wanted to tell you about Canon lenses. As always, write your questions, comments and suggestions in the comments.
This table lists some of the markings for DSLR lenses. Manufacturers (and, of course, stores) do not know how, do not want or cannot come to common agreements, which is why you have to study not just one, but a whole bunch of markings :) It is assumed that a beginner buying a SLR camera is already interested in lenses , and also familiar with the terms. For example, he knows that a bayonet is a device for mounting (docking) a camera with a lens, all camera manufacturers have different bayonets, and it is impossible to install a Nikon lens on a Canon camera, and an ultrasonic motor (unlike a regular screwdriver) is responsible for faster and faster precise focusing... Various types of lenses (for example, low dispersion, aspherical) are responsible for reducing the various distortions inherent in any optics.
In general, anyone who decides to buy a DSLR should, one way or another, have some information about lenses. Since the main thing in a DSLR is the lens, and not the camera, which without optics is simply called a “body” :) I have compiled typical lens designations into a single table, and provided additional markings below.
Lens markings
Lens characteristics | Canon | Nikon | Pentax | Sony | Sigma | Tamron |
Bayonet | EF/EF–S | F | KAF/KAF2 | A | any | any | For full frame (FF) | E.F. | FX | F.A. | - | DG | - |
Only for crop (APS-C matrix) | EF–S | DX | D.A. | D.T. | DC | Di II |
Professional Series | L | – | * | G | EX | SP |
Image Stabilizer | IS | VR | In the cell | In the cell | OS | V.C. |
Ultrasonic motor | USM | S.W.M. | SDM | SSM | HSM | USD |
Internal focusing | I/R | IF | IF | – | IF/HF | IF |
Low dispersion lenses | UD | ED | ED | – | – | LD/AD |
Apochromatic lenses | – | – | – | APO | APO | HID |
Aspherical lenses | AL | AS | AL | – | A.S.P. | ASL |
Compact lens | DO | – | Limited | – | U.C. | XR |
The hyphen "-" in the table means the absence of this characteristic (or the absence of the necessary information). Full frame lenses, as a rule, can be mounted to crop (APS-C matrix), but not vice versa.
The asterisk "*" does not mean a footnote, but a marking of the professional series of Pentax lenses.
A compact (or ultra-compact) lens is not a point-and-shoot lens, but a lens with very small dimensions and weight :)
Designation of focal lengths and lens aperture.
It’s strange, but manufacturers always adhere to this marking. Not only are these designations generally accepted, they are always indicated on the lens (as, of course, is the proud name of the manufacturer!). In general, this is logical :)
designations of real (working) focal lengths
On zoom lenses it is written as two numbers: the first is the minimum focal length, the second is the maximum. For example, 18-55mm.
A lens with a fixed focal length (prime) has only one number, for example, 35mm.
aperture designations
A zoom lens has two numbers - this is the maximum aperture, respectively, at the near and far end of the focal length. For example, f3.5-5.6.
A fixed focal length lens will only have one number, for example 2.8, or 1:2.8, or f2.8
Some additional lens markings.
Macro— lenses for macro photography have similar designations.
∅67 mm— the number indicates the diameter of the thread for the filter.
Lens markings Canon
- EF is an autofocus lens. this abbreviation means not only the mount, but also autofocus lenses for full frame and APS-C. EF-M - lenses for Canon EOS M camera EF-M (Electro Focus Mirrorless) - M mount and lenses for Canon EOS M mirrorless cameras.
M lenses are not compatible with EF and EF-S mounts. DO - diffractive optical lenses. Use of multiple DO elements in combination with a refractive convex lens
eliminates chromatic aberration, while the elements in the lens are placed
much closer to each other. As a result, this lens is much shorter and lighter
conventional lenses with refractive elements. Marked with a green ring.
In my table it is designated “compact lens”. TS-E - Tilt-Shift Lenses They correct perspective by tilting and shifting the optics. CA is a circular diaphragm. For better bokeh, a rounded petal shape is used. AF/MF - focus switch The AF/MF switch allows you to focus in automatic mode (AF) or manual mode (MF).
Manual mode is useful when the camera cannot catch focus in automatic mode. MP-E - (Macro Photo Electronic), MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro special lens Specialized macro lens with 5x zoom capability
compared to the natural size of the object (1.0X - 5.00X).
Lens markings Nikkor(Nikon)
- AF - first generation autofocus lenses. Such lenses require an autofocus “screwdriver” (focus drive). If
If the camera does not have a screwdriver, the lens will work without autofocus
(focus in manual mode). AF-S - second generation autofocus lenses with autofocus motor this means that they do not require a “screwdriver” in the camera. DC - defocus control (AF DC-NIKKOR). By turning the DC ring on the lens, we create an out-of-focus blur of a circular shape. D is the distance to the object being focused on. the ability to transmit to the camera the distance to the object; all modern lenses
have this capability and may not be marked with the letter D. G - the lens does not have an aperture control ring. Lens for new cameras. Lost compatibility for aperture control with
very old non-autofocus cameras. Micro - macro lens. Nikkor lenses for macro photography have such designations; in other systems
The usual marking is "Macro". N - nanocrystalline coating (Nano Crystal Coat). This is an anti-reflective coating that eliminates reflections in lens elements and also effectively reduces ghosting and flare for ultra-wide-angle lenses. RD - rounded diaphragm. The RD diaphragm uses blades that create a circular opening to produce more
beautiful background blur.
Lens markings Sony
- CZ - lenses from Carl Zeiss. Expensive optics developed by Carl Zeiss for A-mount cameras. D - focusing distance. Transmits to the camera the distance at which the lens is adjusted. SAL - Sony lenses. A-mount lenses (for Sony SLR cameras). SAM - Smooth Autofocus Motor. Smooth autofocus motor. T* - signature enlightenment. Markings on Carl Zeiss lenses.
Lens markings Pentax
Let's look at the markings using the following lens as an example:
SMC Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4 ED AL
The numbers 16-45 mean that the lens has a variable focal length (zoom) from 16 to 45, which in 35 mm format gives 24-67.5 mm. Those. This is a short throw lens with a range from wide angle to standard focal length. A not very large zoom is both a disadvantage and an advantage, because it is known that the smaller the zoom, the less distortion.
The next number - f4 means aperture. The lens is not a fast lens, since it is generally accepted that “lightness” starts at f2.8. But the aperture is constant at all ends of the focal length, and does not fall in the telephoto position, which immediately distinguishes the lens from “whale” ones with variable aperture f3.5 - 5.6.
- SMC - proprietary multilayer coating This is a special standard coating that reduces light loss at the interface between air and glass. This enlightenment has several layers. Since all Pentax lenses (except HD) are equipped with it, you can ignore this marking. :) DA - lens for APS-C digital cameras those. The lens is designed for Pentax cameras with a matrix size of 23.5 mm x 15.7 mm. ED - low dispersion glass ED glasses are lenses made of special glass that reduce color distortion (chromatic aberration), which occurs due to the decomposition of light into color components. AL - aspherical lenses the use of aspherical elements in optics helps to correct several distortions in one step, thereby achieving compactness of the lens while maintaining sufficiently high optical characteristics.
Filters for the Pentax DA 16-45 lens are 67 mm in diameter. This is indicated on the lens itself, and not in its name :) There is no dust and moisture protection (for it there is the designation “WR”, which is not in the table). What else can you say about this optics? With a skillful approach, the quality of the photographs turns out to be very excellent. As, in fact, with any normal lens :) On this occasion I would like to make a brief lyrical digression.
You should not mindlessly chase expensive optics, unless you are engaged in professional photography: in many cases you will not see the difference in the photographs, and you will overpay a lot of money. But for professionals there is still a difference, and it lies in the working conditions. There should be no compromises here! For example, the above-mentioned lens differs from a professional one in the absence of a higher aperture ratio, an ultrasonic focusing motor, and a dust- and moisture-proof coating. How is this known from the labeling? Very simple: if only because the asterisk * is not specified :)
© 2018 site
The first Canon SLR cameras to replace rangefinder cameras appeared in 1959 and had a Canon R mount. In 1964, it was replaced by a Canon FL mount, which in turn gave way to a Canon FD mount in 1971. However, with the advent of the era of autofocus lenses, Canon once again developed a completely new standard in 1987 - Canon EF, which is still relevant today. Unlike Nikon, which has remained faithful to the Nikon F mount since 1959, thereby ensuring the relative compatibility of modern cameras and vintage lenses, Canon began its history from scratch in 1987, and therefore Canon’s principles of compatibility are very simple:
- All Canon EF lenses are fully compatible with all Canon EOS cameras, both full-frame and cropped (APS-C).
- Canon EF-S lenses are designed for cameras with a crop factor of 1.6 and are not compatible with full frame cameras.
- Lenses produced before 1987 are practically useless on modern cameras.
Since 2012, Canon has been releasing APS-C mirrorless cameras (crop factor 1.6) with a Canon EF-M mount, and since 2018, full-frame mirrorless cameras with a Canon RF mount.
- All EF-M lenses are fully compatible with all EOS M cameras and are completely incompatible with EOS DSLRs and EOS R mirrorless cameras.
- All EF-M lenses are fully compatible with all EOS M cameras and are completely incompatible with EOS DSLRs and EOS M mirrorless cameras.
- EF and EF-S lenses are fully compatible with EOS M and EOS R mirrorless cameras with the appropriate adapters.
Basic designations
These parameters are universal and are available for all lenses, regardless of manufacturer.
Focal length The lens is measured in millimeters (for more details, see “Focal length and perspective”). For lenses with a fixed focal length, a single number is indicated, for example, 35mm. For zoom lenses, a range of focal lengths is indicated, for example, 70-300mm.
E.F.(1987) Electro-Focus - Electro-focus. Lenses with a Canon EF mount and a built-in focusing motor. Communication between the lens and the camera is carried out exclusively through electronic contacts. In 1987, this scheme looked very progressive, especially compared to the screwdriver autofocus of Nikon AF lenses. However, Canon paid for this advantage by completely losing compatibility with its old FD system.
DC(1987) Direct Current - DC motor. Used as a focusing motor in inexpensive Canon EF lenses. Compared to an ultrasonic motor, a DC motor is slower, making it more difficult to photograph fast-moving objects.
USM(1987) Ultrasonic Motor - Ultrasonic motor. Compared to DC motor, USM is faster and quieter. There are two types of ultrasonic motors: ring-type motor and micromotor. The ring-type USM allows manual focusing regardless of whether autofocus is on or off, while the micromotor for manual focusing requires switching to manual mode.
FT-M– Full Time Manual. Constant manual focus. Lenses with an ultrasonic ring-type focusing motor allow you to manually adjust autofocus performance by simply turning the focusing ring without having to switch directly to manual mode.
L– Luxury. Luxury. Expensive professional lenses with a red border. The main advantage of L series lenses is not so much in high-quality optics (which can be no worse in cheaper lenses), but in mechanical strength and reliability. They are protected from dust and splashes and can withstand being dropped onto rocks without losing their functionality. In addition, L lenses are very large and heavy.
Macro– macro lenses that allow shooting at a scale of 1:1.
I/R– Internal/Rear focusing. Internal/Rear Focus. To focus the lens, movement of an independent group of lenses inside the lens is used. In this case, the dimensions of the lens do not change, and the front lens remains stationary, facilitating the use of polarizing and gradient filters. In addition, such a scheme allows you to reduce the size of the lens, as well as speed up focusing.
Float– A floating optical element that changes its position depending on the focusing distance allows the lens to focus at ultra-close distances without compromising sharpness.
CaF2– Fluorite. Lenses made from fluorite have a low dispersion coefficient, and therefore reduce the severity of secondary (purple-green) chromatic aberrations.
UD– Ultra-low Dispersion glass. Low dispersion glass has a scattering coefficient significantly lower than conventional optical glass. Individual lens elements made from UD glass are designed to reduce secondary chromatic aberration. Due to the lower curvature of the surfaces, lenses made of low dispersion glass are less susceptible to spherical aberrations than lenses made of fluorite.
S-UD– Super Ultra-low Dispersion glass. Ultra-low dispersion glass is even more low-dispersion glass than regular low-dispersion glass. In fact, there is practically no difference between UD and S-UD.
AL– Aspherical Lens. Aspherical lenses included in the optical design of the lens are used to eliminate spherical aberrations.
TS-E(1991) Tilt-Shift. Tilt-shift lenses allow you to correct perspective distortions through a simplified simulation of the movements of a large-format camera. The front of the lens can be moved or tilted within certain limits to correct perspective or to control the focusing plane. TS-E lenses do not have autofocus, and therefore, strictly speaking, are not EF lenses. The letter E in the name TS-E stands for electronic aperture drive.
EF-S(2003) EF-Small. Lenses with a reduced image circle, designed for digital cameras with a sensor with a crop factor of 1.6 (APS-C format). The lenses are not compatible with full-frame EF-S cameras.
EF-M(2012) EF-Mirrorless. Lenses designed for use with Canon EOS M mirrorless cameras. Not compatible with cameras with an EF mount.
STM(2012) Stepping Motor. The stepper focusing motor is fast and almost silent.
Macro Lite(2017) Built-in flash for macro photography.
RF(2018) Canon RF mount lenses designed for use with Canon EOS R mirrorless cameras. Not compatible with DSLR cameras.
Now let’s use a specific example to figure out what information you can find out by reading the inscriptions on the lens. Let's take the first lens that comes to hand, and I believe, not without reason, that many of my readers will come across exactly the lens that they purchased along with the camera, i.e. Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM, and let's take a closer look at it. If you have any other lens in your hands, proceed by analogy.
There is an inscription around the front lens element:
CANON ZOOM LENS |
EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS STM |
Ø58mm |
CANON ZOOM LENS– reminds the forgetful owner that he has a Canon zoom lens on his camera, and not some other foreign object.
EF-S– name of the system. This lens is designed for Canon EOS cameras with a smaller sensor (APS-C) with a crop factor of 1.6.
18-55mm– range of focal lengths. 18-55mm on a 1.6 crop factor camera will give the same image angle as 29-89mm on a full frame camera. Thus, our lens covers the range from wide-angle to moderately long-angle, which makes it very versatile.
1:3.5-5.6 – aperture. At the wide-angle position (18mm), the minimum aperture value is f/3.5, and at the telephoto position (55mm) – f/5.6. The 18-55mm is not a very fast lens, and its aperture decreases with increasing focal length, but that’s what all amateur zoom lenses are like. A large constant aperture ratio would increase their size and cost many times over.
IS– optical image stabilizer. An extremely useful device for handheld photography in low light. For static scenes, it compensates to some extent for the low aperture ratio.
STM– stepper focusing motor.
Ø58– thread diameter for filters. In this case, the diameter is 58 mm.
On the lens body it is written in white and black:
Canon |
E.F. S 18-55mm |
IMAGE STABILIZER |
MACRO 0.25m/0.8ft |
Here you can also find a barely visible serial number.
Designations such as EF-S And 18-55mm we have already seen at the end of the lens.
IMAGE STABILIZER- this is the decoding of the abbreviation IS, whom we also met.
MACRO 0.25m/0.8ft– The minimum focusing distance is 0.25 meters or 0.8 feet. Do not forget that the focusing distance is calculated not from the front lens of the lens, but from the camera matrix. Some Canon lenses have a flower instead of the word MACRO, but it means the same thing.
If you look at the lens from the mount side, you can read:
CANON INC. |
MADE IN TAIWAN |
Don't be surprised - even Canon is slowly moving its production facilities outside of Japan in order to reduce the cost of production.
I hope that now it will not be difficult for you to make out the markings of any Canon lens.
Thank you for your attention!
Vasily A.
Post scriptum
If you found the article useful and informative, you can kindly support the project by making a contribution to its development. If you didn’t like the article, but you have thoughts on how to make it better, your criticism will be accepted with no less gratitude.
Please remember that this article is subject to copyright. Reprinting and quoting are permissible provided there is a valid link to the source, and the text used must not be distorted or modified in any way.
As you may have guessed, Canon has a whole carload of lenses. There is everything for every type of shooting. Not long ago, STM lenses became available for sale.
They come in the “Whale” configuration of new models of Canon SLR and amateur cameras.
What are STM lenses? STM is a focusing mechanism technology based on the use of a stepper motor (motor).
This lens is easy to recognize; it has a special STM marking. At the moment, Canon has only 4 STM lenses, more on them later.
So, what benefits does STM give us? I’ll say right away that this will not affect the image quality (well, or not at all significantly). Because the glass remained the same, only the motor that rotates the focusing lens of the lens was changed, now the front lens does not rotate and you can use any filters without any obstacles. The main advantage of the STM motor is fast and silent focusing.
At first glance, it is not inferior to USM...
0 0
lenses over short distances, and with an extremely low noise level.
Lenses with STM technology in combination with cameras that provide
phase focusing using...
0 0
What is a USM lens? what is an STM lens? How is a USM lens different from an STM? Canon which one is better...
Ultrasonic driven lenses are marked with the abbreviation USM in their name.
Ultrasonic drive autofocus system appeared in the lens
EF 300 mm f/2.8L USM in 1987. Canon became the first manufacturer
who have applied similar technology in their products. Lenses,
equipped with a USM motor, provide faster focusing,
make less noise and consume less energy compared to
conventional motors used in lenses.
In 2012, together with a Canon EOS 650D camera equipped with a matrix,
in which part of the pixels is intended for focusing using the phase difference method,
The first two lenses with a stepper motor (STM stepper motor) were presented.
This technology allows for multiple rapid movements of the focus group
lenses over short distances, and with an extremely low level...
0 0
For some reason, many readers perceived Canon's release of stepping motor (STM) lenses as just an update on the road to smoother video shooting. However, STM lenses also provide higher-quality images in photographs, plus they differ from their predecessors in some technical parameters that expand the boundaries of their use and make them more convenient. In this article I want to talk in more detail about the advantages of the new version of the lens using the Canon EF-S 18-135 IS and STM as an example.
In my opinion, the Canon EF-S 18-135 IS is one of the best for everyday shooting. It provides good image quality for an undemanding user, combines a wide range of focal lengths, acceptable size and weight, and a low price. This is perhaps the best choice both for those who are buying a DSLR camera for the first time, and for those who want to get a universal all-in-one lens for traveling or just shooting various scenes. And the new version of Canon EF-S 18-135 IS STM...
0 0
Canon lens markings
© 2017 Vasili-photo.com
The first Canon SLR cameras to replace rangefinder cameras appeared in 1959 and had a Canon R mount. In 1964, it was replaced by a Canon FL mount, which in turn gave way to a Canon FD mount in 1971. However, with the advent of the era of autofocus lenses, Canon once again developed a completely new standard in 1987 - Canon EF, which is still relevant today. Unlike Nikon, which has remained faithful to the Nikon F mount since 1959, thereby ensuring the relative compatibility of modern cameras and vintage lenses, Canon began its history from scratch in 1987, and therefore Canon’s principles of compatibility are very simple:
All Canon EF lenses are fully compatible with all Canon EOS cameras, both full-frame and cropped (APS-C). Canon EF-S lenses are designed for cameras with a crop factor of 1.6 and are not compatible with full frame cameras....
0 0
I’ll dilute a little the theoretical reasoning of the owners of 1.4
I had 40/2.8 at the beginning. People didn’t like it - it doesn’t separate it from the background, you can’t get close to it. Not needed for my purposes.
After that I took 1.4. In terms of sharpness, from about 2.2 it was normal on 5D2. But there was one BUT - the percentage of hits was unsatisfactory. I hit it more or less normally only on a hole of 2.8 or narrower.
Which didn’t suit me too much; I wanted to shoot normally at 2.2.
As soon as it appeared, I bought 50/1.8stm. I took paired shots with 50/1.4.
The result is up to 2.5 identical glasses in sharpness. From 2.8 1.4 starts to be a little sharper.
An important BUT - 1.8 was much more stable in terms of AF performance, the 2.2 hole worked stably.
The comparison shots showed that the 1.4 version produces warmer images and blurs the bokeh a little smoother.
As a result, I sold the 1.4 version without regret and kept the 1.8stm. I don't need any blur if the glass doesn't get at least 90% hits...
0 0
In this article we will help you understand the symbols that mark Canon lenses. Let’s make a reservation right away that we will only consider lenses produced for the modern EF mount (and its derivatives). The reason for this “narrowing of boundaries” is that older lenses stopped being developed in 1987, due to a change in the approach to camera packaging and the advent of the EOS system, they are rare, and most importantly, they are not compatible with modern camera models from the Japanese manufacturer.
EF (Electro Focus) is a marking found on all modern Canon lenses (or rather, almost all, but more on that below). This is the designation of the bayonet (lens mounting system with the camera).
In 1987, Canon, the first in the world among photo equipment manufacturers, took a risky, but at the same time very far-sighted step, introducing a bayonet mount in which the mechanical connections between the camera and the lens were completely removed. All drive control...
0 0
The website kaddr.com continues a series of articles about the markings and symbols of lenses from global photographic equipment manufacturers. In the last PhotoHack, we looked in detail at the markings of Nikon lenses. Today we’ll talk about their “sacred enemy” and, concurrently, the world leader in the production of photographic equipment...
0 0
When we look at a photograph or watch a video, we immediately pay attention to whether the image is in focus or not.
Since 1987, when Canon became the first to integrate a focus motor into a lens, several motors have been created to focus and track fast-moving subjects. At the same time, focusing remains accurate, smooth and silent.
There are currently three main types of focus motors used in Canon lenses. These are stepper motor (STM), ultrasonic motor (USM) and direct current motor (DC). Let's look at the differences between these motors so you can choose the right lens.
STM
STM lenses allow you to take great photos and better videos. These lenses are equipped with a stepping motor that provides smooth and quiet focusing - two excellent characteristics for video shooting.
Some motors used in lenses make a distinct mechanical sound when focusing, and STM lenses...
0 0
10
Canon ultrasonic
In the section Selecting, purchasing equipment, answer the question What is a USM lens? what is an STM lens? How does a USM lens differ from an STM lens? (Canon) which one is better... asked by the author Katyusha - the best answer is Lenses with ultrasonic drive are marked with the abbreviation USM in the name.
Ultrasonic drive autofocus system appeared in the lens
EF 300 mm f/2.8L USM in 1987. Canon became the first manufacturer
who have applied similar technology in their products. Lenses,
equipped with a USM motor, provide faster focusing,
make less noise and consume less energy compared to
conventional motors used in lenses.
In 2012, together with a Canon EOS 650D camera equipped with a matrix,
in which part of the pixels is intended for focusing using the phase difference method,
The first two lenses with a stepper motor (STM - stepper motor) were presented.
This technology provides multiple...
0 0
11
Quite recently, one of the leaders in the world of digital equipment, Canon, released two new lenses - EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and EF 40mm f/2.8 STM. The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a standard zoom lens that can be used for a variety of purposes and occasions. The focal length range - from 18 mm to 135 mm - corresponds to the range from 29 mm to 216 mm on a camera with a 35 mm sensor.
The maximum magnification you can expect using the lens is 0.28x. And if you use the EF12 II extension ring, the increase will be in the range from 0.43 to 0.09, and with the EF25 II extension ring - 0.61 - 0.21.
But the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM will not work with a teleconverter (or, in Canan’s style, an extender), unlike such EF series models as the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, EF 70-200mm f/4L, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM, EF 400mm F/4 DO IS USM. So even Canon is perfect...
0 0
12
If you are wondering what all these letters on your Canon lens mean, then you have come to the right place.
FDs are ancient lenses from Canon that were produced in the 70s-80s. They are not suitable for modern cameras, so such a lens can only be attached to a modern camera with an EF mount using a special adapter. Unlike Nikon, Canon changed the mount, and therefore the old FD lenses have lost any value, forget about them. After the relatively short life of the FD (about 15 years), Canon released a new type of EF mount, but don't worry, the EF line has about 60 lenses, this should last you a lifetime, so there is plenty to choose from.
EF (Electro-Focus) means that your lens has electronic autofocus, i.e. There is a motor built inside the lens, and the camera only sends commands through contacts on the lens. Actually, all Canon lenses made after 1987 are EF, so this marking is on your...
0 0
13
The article will talk about a series of zoom lenses that are produced under the wing of Canon. The focal length of all is from 18 to 135 mm. They are designed to work with a crop matrix, so they are only suitable for cameras of this type. The series includes three models. Let's look at all Canon 18-135 mm lenses.
EF-S f/3.5-5.6 IS
The first version that was released was dedicated to the release of a camera from the same manufacturer. We are talking about the EOS 7D camera. The lens is equipped with a special image stabilizer. It has four settings levels. Other Canon 18-135 mm lenses received the same characteristics. For focusing to work, the minimum distance must be 0.45 m. The lens aperture has six blades.
Advantages of the EF-S f/3.5-5.6 IS
Many photographers call this lens universal. Besides this, it is inexpensive. Due to the wide range of focal lengths, you can take good and wide shots. It is suitable for both landscape photography and...
0 0
- Anton Siluanov, Minister of Finance
- Protection of consumer rights: insurance contract - legal services of the Legas company Protection of rights under an insurance contract
- Consolidated register of the territorial body of the federal treasury
- Why are whales interesting? What do whales hear? The closest relatives of whales are hippos