What is Canon Nano USM, and how does it compare with STM and USM?
Asked 2/18/2016
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I’m looking at Canon lenses such as the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, which is described as using Nano USM. What does Nano USM mean in practice, and what advantages does it have compared with Canon’s STM and traditional USM autofocus systems, especially for stills vs video use?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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Canon autofocus lenses have long focused on speed and not so much on smooth and quiet operation. This is what we know today as USM (Ultrasonic motor). As usage of DSLRs for video became more popular, Canon introduced STM (Stepping motor) lenses that provided a smoother experience; albeit at a slight disadvantage on the speed side.
Nano USM addresses the shortcomings of STM, provides the speed of USM, and has the smoothness of STM. The performance of Nano USM is based on the similar ultrasonic vibration converted into movement methodology that USM has employed for some time. The actual operation of the autofocus is nearly silent which is important to mainly video but can be a consideration under certain still image shooting scenarios.
Its claims end up posing it as the best of both worlds; meaning that both still image shooters and videographers will likely be pleased with the operation and results. Since this technology is available in only Canon lenses, and the first one was only announced recently - only time will tell if it's performance is as good as claimed.
For more information, see the Canon USA article: What's New: Nano USM - A New Ultrasonic Motor Technology
Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4892
10y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Nano USM is Canon’s autofocus motor technology designed to combine two strengths: the speed of traditional USM with the smooth, quiet operation associated with STM.
In general:
- USM: fast AF, historically favored for still photography.
- STM: smoother and quieter AF, especially useful for video, but typically not as fast.
- Nano USM: aims to deliver both fast autofocus and smooth, near-silent focus transitions.
Technically, Nano USM uses ultrasonic vibration like USM, but in a compact linear-drive form rather than the more typical rotational drive. That helps it move focus elements quickly while staying quiet, which is useful for both stills and video.
One tradeoff mentioned is that Nano USM lenses use focus-by-wire manual focus rather than a direct mechanical coupling.
On the EF-S 18-135mm, another video-related benefit is compatibility with Canon’s Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1, which allows powered zoom control during video recording.
So if you want one lens that does well for both stills and video, Nano USM is generally positioned as the “best of both worlds” between STM and conventional USM.
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