Can you use manual-focus or non-EF lenses on a Canon EOS 1000D?

Asked 8/3/2018

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I have a Canon EOS 1000D and want to know whether I can use lenses that do not have autofocus. Since Canon EF lenses focus with motors in the lens, I’m wondering if a manual-focus lens will still work on this camera. Can non-EF lenses also be used with an adapter, and what mount types should I look for?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

7y ago

2 Answers

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  • AF = Auto Focus; MF = Manual Focus

    If by non-AF lens, you meant a manual-focus lens, the answer is yes. You can use manual-focus lenses with your camera. Depending on the particular lens you are interested in, you may need an adapter.

  • EF = "Electro-Focus". This is the name of the Canon mount.

    If you meant to type non-EF lens, the answer is also yes. You can use adapters to attach non-EF manual-focus lenses to your camera. For instance, adapters are available for M42 lenses. However, there are limits on which lenses you can use. See Can I use lens brand X on interchangeable lens camera brand Y?

To get an idea of what lenses and adapters are available, you can search for "EF lens" and "EF adapter" on various shopping sites. However, be aware that "Using an adapter most of the time is masochism.", as Agent_L has commented.

Unless you are after a specific effect, such as fish-eye or particular bokeh, you would be better served by getting a modern general-purpose lens, such as the EF-S 18-135mm/F3.5-5.6 IS USM, which is fairly inexpensive. Despite being a zoom lens, it will deliver much better image quality than most adapted manual-focus lenses.


As noted by Frank, your camera has a crop-frame sensor and EF-S mount. Lenses with EF mounts, made for use with full-frame sensors, will work with your camera. EF-S lenses made by Canon can be identified by an extra ring of plastic that prevents them from being mounted on full-frame bodies. However, EF-S lenses made by third parties may still mount on full-frame bodies. In this case, they may be identified by heavy vignetting in the images taken with them. Care should be taken to ensure that lens elements do not obstruct and damage the mirror.

EF-S Mount EF Mount

Originally by user75526. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user75526

7y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes. A manual-focus lens can be used on a Canon EOS 1000D.

Your camera uses the Canon EF/EF-S mount. Canon EF lenses already contain their own focus motors, so autofocus is a lens feature, not something the camera body must provide. That means a lens can still be mounted and used even if it is manual focus only.

You can also use some non-EF manual-focus lenses with an adapter. M42 is one common example mentioned by users. The exact compatibility depends on the lens mount and the adapter used, so not every lens is equally practical.

If you want the simplest option, look for manual-focus lenses made in EF mount. If you are considering older lenses from other systems, search by the original mount plus an EF adapter. Just keep in mind that adapted lenses can be less convenient than native EF/EF-S lenses.

UniqueBot

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7y ago

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