[How to choose a lens for the CANON EF Mount] Differences from the RF mount and recommended Lenses

CANON 's lineup of lenses for the EF mount includes a variety of models from various manufacturers. On the other hand, there are many criteria to consider when selecting a lens, which may seem difficult, especially for beginners of interchangeable-lens cameras.

In this article, we will explain in detail how to select lenses for the CANON EF mount. In addition, we will also introduce the differences between the RF mount and EF-S mount, as well as the differences between single focal length lenses and zoom lenses.

Lens mount types for CANON interchangeable-lens cameras

The lens mount refers to the joint between the interchangeable-lens camera body and the lens. Mount standards vary by camera manufacturer and interchangeable-lens camera model. CANON interchangeable-lens cameras and mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras use three main types of mounts: EF mount, EF-S mount, and RF mount.

EF Mount

The EF mount is the lens mount system used on CANON interchangeable-lens cameras, and has been the standard mount for CANON interchangeable-lens cameras for many years since its introduction in 1987. There is also a wide selection of lenses available.

EF-S Mount

The EF-S mount is a lens mount system for CANON's interchangeable-lens cameras with APS-C size sensors. lenses for the EF-S mount are designed for APS-C size sensors and are characterized by their compactness and light weight.

RF mount

The RF mount is a lens mount system developed for CANON's mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras do not have the mirror box found in interchangeable-lens cameras, resulting in a shorter flange back (distance from the mount surface to the sensor). These characteristics of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras allow for large diameter lenses and a high degree of freedom in lens design.

Mount Compatibility

Basically, interchangeable lenses must be selected that match the mount standard of the camera body. However, it is possible to use a mount adapter to attach a lens with a different mount standard. For example, a mount adapter allows a lens for the EF mount to be used with the RF mount.

The caveat when attaching a lens via an adapter is that some functions and performance may be limited. When using an adapter, it is important to understand its limitations and deal with them appropriately.

How to choose a lens for CANON EF mount

A wide variety of lenses for CANON's EF mount are available. Here, we will explain in detail how to select a lens for the EF mount.

1) Select a lens that is compatible with the camera body

When selecting a lens, choose a lens that is basically compatible with the mount standard of the camera body. As mentioned above, CANON's main interchangeable-lens cameras come in three types: EF mount, EF-S mount, and RF mount. When choosing a lens, it is important to select a lens with a mount standard that matches your camera system.

Also, be careful about the sensor size. Basically, a full-size interchangeable-lens camera should be fitted with a full-size EF-mount lens, and an APS-C-size interchangeable-lens camera should be fitted with an APS-C-size EF-S mount lens.

However, it is also possible to use a full-size lens with an APS-C size interchangeable-lens camera. In that case, the focal length will be converted to approximately 1.6x.

2) Difference between a single focal length lens and a zoom lens

There are two main types of lenses: fixed focal length single focus lenses and zoom lenses with variable focal lengths.

Single focal length lenses generally have a small maximum aperture f-number, making them suitable for capturing a large amount of light and taking high quality photographs. In addition, since they produce a large, smooth bokeh, they are suitable for creating artwork that takes advantage of beautiful background blur and for shooting in dark locations. However, in order to change the angle of view, the photographer himself must move to adjust the distance.

Zoom lenses, on the other hand, have a variable focal length, so the angle of view can be changed on the fly. In addition, there are many high quality and bright zoom lenses in the lineup that are comparable to single focal length lenses in terms of image quality.

Choose the lens that best suits the scene you want to shoot and the purpose of use, while also taking convenience into consideration.

3) Select a lens that matches the image you want to capture

Lenses are classified into three types according to focal length: Wide Angle (approx. 35 mm or less), standard (approx. 50 mm or less), and telephoto (approx. 80 mm or more). Each has its own characteristics in terms of angle of view, bokeh effect, and perspective in the image.

Wide Angle lenses

Wide Angle lenses have a wide angle of view, allowing you to capture a wide area of the landscape in front of you. The depth of field (the depth of the surface that appears to be in focus) is deep, making it easy to bring the entire image into focus. Furthermore, as a characteristic of Wide Angle lenses, perspective is emphasized, making distant objects appear further away.

Lenses with a focal length of approximately 20 mm or less are called “Ultra Wide-Angle lenses” and have a wider angle of view.

Because of this, Wide Angle lenses are particularly useful in landscape photography, but they can also be used to convey a background story in portraits and snapshots.

Standard Lenses

A standard lens has an angle of view close to the human field of view. This allows the photographer to capture the subject at a natural angle of view as seen by the naked eye.

It does not have the strong perspective of a Wide Angle lens or the compression effect of a telephoto lens, but it is characterized by a natural and intimate atmosphere.

Standard lenses are widely used for portraits, snaps, and landscapes.

Telephoto Lenses

A telephoto lens is a lens that allows you to capture a close-up of a subject from a distance. Because of its narrow angle of view, it is characterized by its ability to capture a subject in a cropped shot.

Telephoto lenses also compress the sense of distance, making objects at the far end of the angle of view appear closer and larger (compression effect). By using the compression effect, you can create a sense of density in buildings or rows of trees, or take powerful pictures by taking advantage of large background blur.

Telephoto lenses are useful when there is a great distance between the subject and the camera, such as when shooting animals or athletic events. They are also useful for portraits because of their narrower angle of view and larger bokeh, and are also used for landscape photography by taking advantage of the compression effect. Lenses with a focal length of about 300 mm or more are called “super-telephoto lenses” and are essential for photographing wild birds, airplanes, sports matches, and wary animals.

4) Weight and compactness

When selecting a lens, also check its weight and size. A light and compact lens allows you to easily take it out and shoot, so you will naturally shoot more often. This is especially important for beginners. It also reduces the burden on the arm supporting the lens, making it easier to minimize camera shake that can occur when shooting hand-held. Another appeal of a lightweight, easy-to-handle lens is that it allows you to quickly hold the camera in position when the shutter release opportunity presents itself.

5) F-number

The f-number at which the lens aperture is at its widest is called the “maximum aperture f-number. The smaller the maximum aperture F value, the more light can be captured by the sensor, making it easier to take bright pictures. This makes it easier to take pictures in dark places and to obtain proper exposure even at high shutter speeds.

Also, a lens with a small maximum aperture F-number tends to produce a larger bokeh effect when the aperture is opened. This makes it useful for portrait photography, for example, where you can take advantage of background blur.

6) Operability

Depending on the shooting scene, manual focus (MF) may be required instead of auto focus (AF). Therefore, it is advisable to check the operability of the focus ring and the position of the AF/MF switch.

In the case of zoom lenses, the telescopic lens barrel when zooming and the presence or absence of a zoom lock mechanism also affect operability. It is a good idea to actually hold the lens in your hand and check the feel of its operation.

7) Autofocus (AF) performance

Autofocus performance varies from lens to lens. First, make sure that the lens can focus smoothly on the subject. In addition, focus tracking is also important, especially when shooting moving subjects such as sports or wild birds.

Also, if the camera will be used in an environment where even the slightest noise is a concern, such as at an indoor concert or when shooting video, check for quietness.

8) Image stabilization mechanism

The in-lens image stabilization mechanism is useful when shooting hand-held with a slow shutter speed or when using a telephoto lens. The advantage of using a lens with an image stabilization mechanism is that you can check the effect of the image stabilization through the viewfinder.

Also, if the lens allows you to adjust the degree of image stabilization, you can easily apply it to a variety of expressions, such as when shooting trains in a streamlined manner.

9) Minimum Object Distance

The minimum object distance is the shortest distance between the subject and the sensor within the visible range of focus. A lens with a short minimum object distance allows the photographer to get closer to the subject and thus has better close-up shooting ability.

For this reason, a lens with a short minimum object distance is recommended when you want to take large pictures of small subjects such as flowers or insects, or when shooting indoors (table photography, etc.) where the range of movement is limited.

This will allow you to get closer to the details of your subject, add variety to your photos, and broaden your range of expression.

[Latest News] TAMRON announced the launch of First “CANON RF mount” Lens

TAMRON's lenses for CANON's single-lens reflex cameras have until now been only compatible with the EF mount, but now the company has finally announced the development of a long-awaited lens for the RF mount.

The announced lens is the “11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Model B060),” a large-aperture Ultra Wide Angle zoom lens for APS-C size mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras.

The main features of this lens are as follows
1. dynamic photographic expression with a large-aperture Ultra Wide Angle zoom lens
2. compact and lightweight design that is hard to believe it is an Ultra Wide Angle zoom lens
3. excellent optical performance
4. minimum object distance of 0.15m and maximum magnification of 1:4 to enjoy the world of wide macro photography
High-performance AF that accurately captures the subject in both still and moving image photography

The 11-20mm F2.8 (Model B060) is compact and lightweight, yet offers high image quality thanks to its uncompromising optical design. It is well balanced with a compact APS-C size mirrorless camera body, making it ideal for everyday use.

Finding the right CANON lens for you

There is a wide range of CANON EF mount lenses available, but it is important to choose the lens that best suits the subject you want to shoot and your preferences. Please refer to the points listed in this article to find the right lens for you.