The Canon EF mount is a lens mount system introduced by Canon in 1987 for its SLR and DSLR cameras, replacing the Canon FD mount. The EF mount has been the standard for Canon's interchangeable lenses for over three decades, providing photographers with a vast selection of lenses and accessories. It offers reliable communication between the lens and camera body, ensuring seamless functionality and compatibility. The EF mount has been succeeded by the Canon RF mount for their mirrorless cameras, but it remains widely used and supported by a large number of Canon DSLR users around the world.
The "Holy Trinity" of fixed aperture zoom lenses includes a wide-angle, standard, and telephoto lens, all with constant maximum apertures (F2.8 or F4). These lenses cover a wide range of focal lengths and provide consistent exposure control, optimal image quality, and versatility for professional photographers across different genres.
F2.8 variants offer superior image quality, but are generally pricier and heavier. F4 varaints tend to lighter and more affordable, aiming towards enthusiasts.
Premium Wide Zoom (16-35mm)
Fixed aperture wide zoom lenses are designed for wide angle of view with a constant maximum aperture throughout the zoom range.
These lenses are commonly used in landscape and street photography.
Name | Announced |
---|---|
Canon 16-35mm F2.8 L IIICanon EF | 8/2016 |
Canon 16-35mm F2.8 L IICanon EF | 2/2007 |
Canon 16-35mm F2.8 LCanon EF | 9/2001 |
Canon 16-35mm F4 LCanon EF | 5/2014 |
Canon 17-40mm F4 LCanon EF | 2/2003 |
Premium Standard Zoom (24-70mm)
Fixed aperture standard lenses are designed for a wide variety of photogrphy with a constant maximum aperture throughout the zoom range.
These lenses are commonly used in everyday use, street photography and event photography.
Name | Announced |
---|---|
Canon 24-70mm F2.8 L IICanon EF | 2/2012 |
Canon 24-70mm F2.8 LCanon EF | 9/2002 |
Canon 24-70mm F4 LCanon EF | 11/2012 |
Premium Telephoto Zoom (70-200mm)
Fixed aperture telephoto zoom lenses are designed for telephoto photography with a constant maximum aperture throughout the zoom range, allowing to capture distant subjects without sacrificing image quality or exposure control.
These lenses are commonly used in wildlife, sports, and event photography.
Name | Announced |
---|---|
Canon 70-200mm F2.8 LCanon EF | |
Canon 70-200mm F2.8 L IIICanon EF | 6/2018 |
Canon 70-200mm F2.8 L IICanon EF | 1/2010 |
Canon 70-200mm F2.8 LCanon EF | 8/2001 |
Canon 70-200mm F4 LCanon EF |
Prime lenses have fixed focal length. Although less versatile than zoom lenses, Primes tend to be lighter and have superior image quality. Moreover, Prime lenses support higher maximum aperture, allowing for better bokehs.
Wide Primes
Wide angle lenses with the fixed focal length.
Ideal for street and landscape photography.
Name | Announced |
---|---|
Canon 14mm F2.8 LCanon EF | |
Canon 14mm F2.8 L IICanon EF | 8/2007 |
Canon 15mm F2.8 fisheyeCanon EF | |
Canon 17mm F4 LCanon EF | 2/2009 |
Canon 20mm F2.8Canon EF |
Standard Primes
Standard lenses with the fixed focal length.
Ideal for street and portrait photography.
Name | Announced |
---|---|
Canon 35mm F1.4 LCanon EF | |
Canon 35mm F1.4 L IICanon EF | 8/2015 |
Canon 35mm F2Canon EF | |
Canon 35mm F2Canon EF | 11/2012 |
Canon 40mm F2.8Canon EF | 6/2012 |
Telephoto Primes
Telephoto lenses with the fixed focal length.
Ideal for sports and wildlife photography.
Name | Announced |
---|---|
Canon 85mm F1.2 L IICanon EF | 2/2006 |
Canon 85mm F1.2Canon EF | 4/2004 |
Canon 85mm F1.4 LCanon EF | 8/2017 |
Canon 85mm F1.8Canon EF | 7/1992 |
Canon 90mm F2.8Canon EF |
Macro
A macro lens is a specialized camera lens designed to capture extreme close-up photographs with high magnification (0.5x and higher). It is specifically crafted to focus on subjects at very short distances, allowing for intricate and detailed images of small objects such as insects, flowers, or textures.
Name | Announced |
---|---|
Canon 50mm F2.5 MacroCanon EF | |
Canon 50mm F2.8 L MacroCanon EF | 8/2017 |
Canon 65mm F2.5 MacroCanon EF | |
Canon 90mm F2.8 L MacroCanon EF | 8/2017 |
Canon 100mm F2.8 MacroCanon EF |
Super Zoom
A superzoom lens is a versatile camera lens that combines the functionality of wide-angle and telephoto lenses into a single, convenient package. Superzoom is great for travel as it covers many situations by itself.
Name | Announced |
---|---|
Canon 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 LCanon EF | 1/2004 |
Canon 28-200mm F3.5-5.6Canon EF | 8/2000 |
Canon 28-200mm F3.5-5.6Canon EF | 8/2000 |
Canon 35-350mm F3.5-5.6 LCanon EF |
Power Zoom
A powerzoom (PZ) lens are motor-powered zoom lenses with a smooth and precise control of zooming. These are ideal for videos.
Name | Announced |
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