Should I buy Canon EF full-frame lenses for a Canon 550D APS-C body?
Asked 11/7/2011
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I use a Canon 550D with the 18-135mm kit lens and want to upgrade my lenses before I upgrade my camera body. I’m considering used Canon EF L lenses such as the 16-35mm f/2.8L, 24-70mm f/2.8L, and 70-200mm f/4L.
Is it a good idea to buy full-frame EF lenses for an APS-C camera, or should I focus on EF-S crop-sensor lenses instead? I understand that the field of view will be narrower on APS-C, so I’m mainly wondering whether these are sensible choices on a crop body and what trade-offs I should expect.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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If you have the money, go with the full frame option. The basic reasoning that I would have for that is simple: lenses will stay with you longer than the camera body. That's the nutshell answer.
Longer answer is that today you have a 550D and you're learning. Stay with that camera while you're doing that, until you feel that the photography you want to do is being impeded. Then you're going to look for something else. You might stay cropped sensor, you might not, but if you've shelled out thousands for lenses that are crop, then that may make the decision for you and that isn't ideal. Or you'll need to sell your lenses and you'll lose money in replacing. Also not ideal.
Net effect, if there is ever a real possibility that you'll buy a full frame Canon, new or used, then stick with the full-sized lenses. If this isn't a real possibility, then go crop. Just seriously consider all that first.
Originally by user472. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user472
14y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—buying Canon EF full-frame lenses for an APS-C body can be a sensible choice. The main advantages are long-term value and system flexibility: lenses often outlast camera bodies, and EF lenses will still work if you later move to a full-frame Canon body. EF also offers a broader lineup, including some higher-end and specialty options, plus features like stronger construction and sometimes weather sealing.
The main trade-offs are practical ones: on APS-C the field of view is narrower, so these lenses may not serve the exact same roles they do on full frame. They also tend to be more expensive, heavier, and sometimes less flexible in zoom range than EF-S alternatives.
So the decision depends on your priorities. If you want the best build/image quality and may eventually go full frame, EF lenses are a good investment. If you expect to stay with APS-C for a long time, an EF-S lens may be a better fit for focal length, weight, and cost. Many APS-C users successfully mix EF and EF-S lenses rather than choosing only one type.
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