Do you want to know the difference between Canon EF vs EF-S lenses?
This can be a confusing topic, especially for
photographers who have only just purchased a Canon DSLR.
That’s why we’ve put together this
guide–which will tell you everything you need to know about EF lenses, EF-S
lenses, and the differences between them.
By the time you’ve finished, you’ll know
whether an EF or an EF-S lens is right for you.
Understanding Lens Mounts
First things first:
If you want to understand the difference
between EF and EF-S lenses, you’ve got to understand lens mounts.
What is a Lens Mount?
The lens mount is the place where a lens and a
camera come in contact. Technically speaking, both the camera and lens contain
part of the mount–and these two features combine to create a working setup.
Note that different lens mounts are created by
different manufacturers. A Canon lens mount is different from a Nikon lens
mount which is different from a Sony lens mount.
Also, note that different lens mounts are created by the same manufacturer. This might be for fundamentally different camera systems (such as mirrorless versus DSLRs), but it could also be for different types of lenses within similar camera systems (such as full-frame versus APS-C).
The EF vs EF-S distinction is an example of
this last scenario. Canon makes both of these lens mounts, but one is designed
to mount on full-frame DSLRs, while the other is designed to mount on APS-C
DSLRs.
A History of EF Lens Mounts
EF lenses go all the way back to 1987, while
EF-S lenses are much newer (they were created in 2003).
The name ‘EF’ comes from the mechanics of the
lens: EF lenses include an ‘Electro-Focus’ motor, which allows for electronic
focus to be carried out by the lens itself.
Prior to using the EF mount, Canon had been producing cameras and lenses that interfaced through the FD mount. This mount required that the autofocus motor be housed in the camera rather than the lens.
EF vs EF-S Lenses
When EF-S lenses were first produced by Canon in the early 2000s, many EF lenses were already on the scene.
But what’s the difference between these two
lens types?
In the most basic sense:
EF lenses are produced for Canon’s full-frame DSLRs. EF-S lenses are produced for Canon’s APS-C DSLRs.
See also: Top Canon EF-S Lenses for APS-C Cameras
While there is a wide range of EF lenses, many
of them are designed with advanced amateurs and professionals in mind.
On the other hand, EF-S lenses are designed to take advantage of the smaller APS-C sensor size. Canon also designed EF-S lenses to take into account the different needs of APS-C users.
Can I Use EF Lenses on Crop
Sensor Cameras?
If you’re trying to decide whether to buy an
EF lens or an EF-S lens, this is a critical question.
Can you use an EF lens on a crop-sensor camera, or do they only work on full-frame bodies?
See also: Best Canon EF Lenses for Different Types of Photography
Fortunately, it is possible to use an EF lens
on a crop-sensor camera. However, there are a few benefits and drawbacks to
take into account:
Benefits
First, an EF lens will have a narrower field
of view on an APS-C camera. For wildlife and sports photographers who require a
lot of reach, this is extremely helpful.
For instance, a 300mm EF lens ends up with a field of view equivalent to a 480mm lens on an Canon APS-C camera.
See also: Best All-Around Canon Lens
Second, EF lenses tend to have a more robust
build than their EF-S counterparts. Many EF lenses, such as Canon’s L lenses,
are built with professionals in mind, and can handle the rigors of serious use.
Drawbacks
While the narrow field of view on an APS-C
camera may be appreciated by some photographers, others–primarily landscape
and architectural photographers–will want the widest field of view possible.
So if you’re a landscape or architectural shooter, or you just want an ultra-wide angle perspective, it’s better to use a full-frame camera with EF lenses.
See also: Best Wide Angle Lens for Canon
Plus, EF lenses are much more expensive than
EF-S lenses. If you’re on a budget, you’ll appreciate the money you can save by
purchasing EF lenses instead.
Can I Use EF-S Lenses on
Full-Frame Cameras?
That depends on the lens.
EF-S lenses tend to stick out farther where
they interface with the camera. If the mount on the EF-S lens is long enough,
it can come into contact with the camera mirror, causing the camera to break.
However, not all EF-S lenses have this problem. Some EF-S lenses have mounts that will interface without damaging the mirror.
See also: Lens Finder: How to Choose a Camera Lens
So, assuming that you’re using an EF-S lens
that safely mounts on a full-frame camera, you’ll want to think about these key
benefits and drawbacks:
Benefits
EF-S lenses tend to be much cheaper than the
corresponding EF options, so an EF-S lens can be a nice budget option.
EF-S lenses are also more compact compared to
EF lenses, which will help photographers who travel frequently.
Drawbacks
There’s one big issue that comes with using an
EF-S lens on a full-frame body:
They’re designed to project the image onto a
smaller (APS-C) sensor.
Which means that an EF-S lens mounted onto a full-frame camera will give you a heavy vignette, like this:
You’re free to crop this out in post-processing.
But in addition to adding time to your editing workflow, you’ll lose
pixels–which can narrow your printing options, among other things.
Should I Buy EF or EF-S Lenses
for my APS-C Camera?
If you have an APS-C camera, then you’re free
to purchase either EF or EF-S lenses. Both will interface just fine with your
camera body.
So it’s really all about your needs as a
photographer.
For Sports and Wildlife
Photography
If you’re looking to do wildlife, sports, or bird photography, then purchasing an EF super-telephoto lens is a great idea. There are really no EF-S substitutes for these lenses, plus a 400mm EF lens will have the field of view of a 640mm lens on an APS-C camera.
See also: Best Lens for Bird Photography
For Landscape, Architecture, and
Travel Photography
If you want to do any type of photography that involves a wide-angle lens, then I recommend EF-S lenses.
See also: Best Canon Lenses for Landscape Photography
Canon manufacturers some great wide-angle EF-S glass. And landscape photographers as well as travel photographers often spend hours or days in the field, where a light setup is essential.
For Portrait and Casual
Photography
If you’re shooting portraits or walkaround
photography on an APS-C camera, EF-S lenses can be a great choice.
They’re cheap, they’re optically impressive,
and they’re small–which makes them a great option for either of these types of
shooting.
Understanding Canon EF-M Mount and
EF-M Lenses
In addition to its EF and EF-S lenses, Canon
produces another lens lineup:
EF-M lenses.
These are designed to work on Canon EOS M
APS-C mirrorless bodies, not DSLRs.
However, Canon offers an adapter that allows
you to mount EF and EF-S lenses on a Canon EOS M body.
Canon EF vs EF-S Lenses: Conclusion
Hopefully, you now understand the key
differences between EF vs EF-S lenses.
You should also understand why EF lenses and EF-S lenses have their place, regardless of your camera body.
Because both offer some great optics!
