Canon Prime Lens Knowledge Base

The Canon EF lens mount was first announced in 1987 and subsequently turned into the prevailing mount for the entire Canon EOS line both SLR film and DSLR digital cameras. The acronym EF means "Electro-Focus": EF lens auto focusing is conducted by an in-the-lens dedicated electric motor. From a mechanical standpoint it' a bayonet-type mount, and all data transmission between lens and camera occurs by electrical contact; there is no mechanical interaction

Canon established the EF-S mount in 2003, an offshoot of the Canon EF mount created strictly for 1.6x crop factor digital EOS cameras. Although an EF lens may be mounted on an EF-S cropped image body, an EF-S lens cannot be fitted to an EF body.

Professional Zooms Compared to Primes

Although a f/2.8 zoom lens for professionals is 4 times faser than an f5.6 zoom for consumers, a f/1.4 prime is 4 times faster than an f/2.8 zoom.. Proficient photographers need to re-think using a fast prime lens. Probie shooters first acquire some experience with a entry level prime and zoom lenses, to allow them to choose if they want to employ f/2.8 zooms or f/1.4 primes.

The top performing lenses are primes, and not zooms, although there are some excellent zooms. Also rated highly are macro lenses. Updated Article Jan 31, 2011

A brand new new book about Canon Lenses includes all the variations - is a new paradigm in publishing, Disparate content sources have been organized into a single relevant, cohesive and informative book. This content was organized using articles from Wikipedia and images using Creative Commons licensing, Books like this one represent an exciting new lexicon in the distribution of human knowledge. This book in particular embraces chapters focused upon the various Canon lenses, including EF-S lenses, EF lenses, FD lenses, kit lenses, FL lenses, and L-Series lenses.

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Canon Fixed Length Prime Lenses

Fisheye • Macro • Wide Angle • Normal • Telephoto • Perspective Control

Strictly for digital EOS camerasCanon EF-S Mount Lenses
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USMCanon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM. A small prime lens that is light weight and inconspicuous. It's very sharp and it manages fine macro photography or standard walking-around shots. I very rarely leave this lens behind when I'm out because I never know when there might be a great macro shot. it doesn't come with a hood or a case, but if you keep the lens in a decent camera bag you don't need a lens case. Updated Review
EF Mount Accepts All Canon LensesCanon EF Mount Lenses
Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 FisheyeCanon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye. Full-frame fisheye featuring 180° diagonal viewing angle viewing angle for a distinctive and intriguing effects. Different than other AF SLR lenses, closeup auto focusing becomes possible up to within a space of 0.2m, allowing powerful images to be created using the embellished near-far association and pan-focus look an attribute of a fisheye lenses. Although it's a fisheye, straight areas down the middle remain straight. The AF is powered by an Arc-Form Drive (AFD). Updated Review May 7, 2011
Canon EF 20mm f/2.8.USMCanon EF 20mm f/2.8 .USM Wide-angle lens. A small prime lens that is light weight and inconspicuous. It's very sharp and it manages fine macro photography or standard walking-around shots. I very rarely leave this lens behind when I'm out because I never know when there might be a great macro shot. it doesn't come with a hood or a case, but if you keep the lens in a decent camera bag you don't need a lens case. Updated Review
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8. lens.  This prime lens takes awesome outdoor photos. 24mm turns out to be a good choice on an APS-C crop factor digital SLR camera, the pictures are sharp (not as sharp as the 50mm, but still exceptional), and there are no strange distortions like the kit lens. What can't be done with the 50mm F1.8 that can be done with the 24mm F2.8 is get 4 times the angle of view in a tight setting. And that's whole point of this lens. Updated Review
Canon EF 28mm f/1.8L USMCanon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM -  On APS-C cameras, I prefer this wider-angle focal length over the EF 50mm f/1.8 which is just a bit too long for candid photos without constantly moving back, or being reconciled to only face shots. Forget about zoom lenses,  this fast 28mm is a wonderful prime lens for enthusiasts of candid indoor shooting when flash is just not an option and when you especially want great images that don't get in the way or mark your subjects. Updated Review Sep 25, 2011
Canon EF 28mm f/2.828mm f/2.8 EF wide-angle lens by Canon
Let's assume you are a cannon shooter and you only wanted a single lens for your DSLR, or you just want to keep your equipment down to a bare minimum, and this would become your solitary lens. Of course, this would limit your photography range, no more large congregations of people in tight spaces; no sports images. Aside from that, this is an excellent all-around photography lens.  Updated Review Apr 15, 2011
Canon EF 35mm f/2.0Canon EF 35mm f/2.0 Fast wide-angle lens. Just a terrific focal length on an APS-C sensor camera. When you feel somewhat squeezed in all you need to do is back up a few steps . I think every Canon photographer should have one of these lenses in their bag. It's lightweight, has excellent picture quality, plus it's real sharp. Additionally, your shoulder isn't numb after an hour or so of walking around while it's mounted on your camera. Typical Internet Price $330. Updated Review May 31, 2011
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USMCanon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM  -  Why spend $420 on the 50mm f/1.4 when you can buy the similar 50mm f/1.8 for $125? The f1.4 will likely have a much longer life than the cheaper plastic build of the f1.8, and retain more resale value. It's an investment, rather than a commodity. Then there's the difference in bokeh, which is based on the number of aperture blades within the lens. The f1.8 has five, and the f1.4 has eight. The f1.8 will portray out-of-focus lights more as a two-dimensional geometric figure formed of five sides and five angles, the f1.4 more roundly. Updated Review
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 IICanon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Once upon a time in a far away land there lived a beautiful 50mm lens that was the fairest standard camera lens of all and was the optical measurement by which all the lens makers of the kingdom were evaluated and compared. Basic peasant level starter lenses have now moved to the zoom lens forest, but you can strike up a benefit from all the years of study and development that went into creating the 50mm lens which might just be the absolute best lens bargain in the kingdom that you will ever feast your eyes on. At $99.99 direct from ebay land can you not afford one of these enchanted lenses? - Updated Review Updated 01/02/2011
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM.Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM.  This is a fast  lens expressly created for maximum control and assurance. You will never lose a shot due to slow shutter speed shake, and even if you do  the fast shutter speed can be put to use by selecting a higher aperture. For photographing friends and family, this is a must-have lens. Updated Review Sep 25, 2011
Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USMCanon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM  An alternative to the 85/1.8 lens, the 100 f/ 2 is an ideal full frame camera especially brilliant and short telephoto portrait lens. The 100mm lens or the 85 can be disputed like Fords and Chevys over which is preferred. The 100 f/2 provides somewhat more blur to backgrounds in the distance plus a slightly "more flat" perspective, although the 85 provides you with a slightly more shallow depth of field while the aperture is wide open. Updated Review May 6, 2011
Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 - Soft FocusCanon EF 135mm f/2.8 with Soft Focus. -  Soft Focus is not the same thing as being out of focus. No, even with this lens's soft focus features at maximum, the photo is still razor-sharp, there's just a soft glow coming off the bright parts of the image. This effect is controllable with both the "Soft Focus" dial (0, 1, or 2) on the lens, or through the aperture value. Soft Focus 2 and f/2.8 is the 'softest', and decreasing the aperture size and soft focus value both lessen the effect. Updated Review
Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USMCanon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM.  
EF Mount Accepts All Canon LensesCanon EF Mount L Lenses
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USMCanon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USMCanon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM .  You can get incredibly close in to your subject because of the 0.8ft minimum focus, while 24mm delivers an extremely wide view to acquire an entire subject with an unbelievably fast f/1.4 aperture. Combine this with the fast focus with incredibly sharp. Therefore you now have yourself a lens that can be used indoors without using flash. The (f/1.4 aperture has a very thin field depth. Updated Review Sep 25, 2011
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USMCanon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM -  This 35mm f/1.4 wide-angle lens becomes a close to normal lens 56mm on a cropped sensor camera. The angle of view to is as good as it gets for general all around photography, especially where you step in to the subject to get the shot. The fast f/1.4 aperture is wonderful for indoor available light photos. At f/1.4 it is a little soft, but by f2.0, the images are razor sharp. Updated Review
Canon EF 50mm f / 1.2L USMCanon EF 50mm f / 1.2L USM. - Serious Glass for Serious Photographers. The build quality is exceptional and the lens weighs more than you'd expect, as a result. At f/1.2 the depth of field is minimal and the auto-focusing with USM is totally silent. The 72mm filter diameter is a big stretch from the 50mm f/1.4's 58mm, and is in tune with the filter size on my other lenses. If you are a casual photographer shooting pictures of your family, the f/1.4 will do nicely. Updated Review
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USMCanon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM   This lens's main advantage is it aperture. The f/1.2 aperture advantage means usable shutter speeds in very low light. When it is stopped down, other L lenses start exceeding the f/1.2 image quality. No other lens performs portraiture as well as the 85mm f/1.2 under $4000. For low light with less action, you're better off going with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS. Updated Review

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USMThe Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM  This lens overwhelms with the value it delivers for portrait photography. It is so blazingly sharp and provides amazing images. I was expecting a benefit, but wow. I've effectively received two lenses all for the cost of just one. You'll need good lighting, which is the case for all portrait photography. The Canon EF 100mm USM macro lens lets you bring tiny objects into view. Updated Review June 12, 2011

Canon EF 135mm f/2.0L USMCanon EF 135mm f/2.0L USM   The Canon 135 f/2L is a better lens than the 70-200 zoom lens as It's less conspicuous because it's black and not the stand out white, it's shorter and weighs less, making it an ideal lens for those of you who like to 'grab' shots at or street fairs or malls. People will not become alarmed by someone pointing a big white lens at them. Also, they may not be aware you are shooting a close-up or semi close-up photo of them at as it resembles a wider lens. Also, it's faster, has better bokeh and It's less expensive than the not as fast f/2.8 70-200mm lens. Updated Review Sep 25, 2011
Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USMCanon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM. Weight - 5.6 pounds (2,520 grams). 
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USMCanon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM  Filter Size - 72mm. Max. Diameter x Length - 3.3 x 5.4 Unit Weight - 1.7 lbs.
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USMCanon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM
Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USMCanon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM.
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USMCanon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USMCanon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM

Canon 500mm F/4L IS II USMCanon 500mm F/4L IS II USM
Refreshed Canon 500mm super-telephoto lens The EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM features lighter weight and higher durability over it's predecessor. Two fluorite lens elements have been added that should also afford better quality of images over the previous version. These great improvements become available at a substantial cost though. and will be on sale, in May 2011. The 500mm F/4L will sell for $9,499.00  New Review Feb 7,  2011

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM  
Refreshed Canon 600mm Super-telephoto Lens Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM
The EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM is much lighter weight and higher durability over the previous lens. Two fluorite lens elements have been added that should also afford better quality of images over the previous version. These great improvements become available at a substantial expense though. and will be available, in May 2011. The 600mm F/4L will sell for $11,999.00 New Review Feb 7,  2011
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USMCanon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM
Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USMCanon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM
EF Mount Accepts All Canon LensesMacro Lens - To bring small things into full-sized view, select from one of the lenses in this category. Macro lenses can uncover detail that would be impossible to detect by the eye and give new perspective to extremely minute subjects such as insects or the petals of a small flower.
Canon EF 1.4X II ExtenderCanon Life-Size Converter EF.
Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 MacroCanon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro.
Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x MacroCanon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USMCanon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L MacroCanon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro
Tilt Shift - These lenses expand photographic possibilities. Tilt movements allow you to obtain a wide depth of field even at the maximum aperture and still keep the entire subject in focus. Shift movements correct the trapezoidal effect seen in pictures taken of tall objects, so as not to distort the subject.
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4LCanon TS-E 17mm f/4L lens expands shooting possibilities exponentially on EOS Digital cameras.
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L . Discontinued
Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8.
Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8

USM = Ultrasonic Motor. Ring.  USM motors are silent and manual focus (FTM = Full Time Manual) is possible without switching out of autofocus. Micro USM motors are quiet, but do not allow full time manual focus.

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