What’s the difference between Canon EF and EF-S lenses?
Asked 7/15/2010
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For Canon DSLR lenses, what do EF and EF-S mean, and which camera bodies can use each type? I’m especially trying to understand compatibility between APS-C/crop-sensor bodies and full-frame Canon DSLRs.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
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EF-S lenses are specifically designed for APS-C digital bodies and optimized for the fact that they have smaller sensor and mirror. EF-S lenses are marked with a white square on the mount instead of a red dot that EF-glass has, and can be only used on EF-S compatible bodies (almost all of smaller-sensor Canon DSLRs, up to EOS 7D).
Film and larger-sensor digital cameras (5D, 1D, 1Ds) take only EF lenses. If you have a camera with EF-S mount support (such as EOS 7D, 50D or 500D), you can use both EF and EF-S lenses.
Originally by user112. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user112
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
EF lenses are Canon’s standard EOS DSLR mount and can be used on both full-frame and APS-C Canon DSLR bodies that accept EF lenses. EF-S lenses are made specifically for Canon APS-C DSLR bodies.
The main differences are:
- Coverage: EF lenses cover a full-frame sensor; EF-S lenses are designed for the smaller APS-C sensor.
- Design: EF-S means short back focus, allowing the rear element to sit closer to the sensor. This helps make some wide-angle lenses smaller, lighter, and often less expensive.
- Compatibility: APS-C Canon DSLRs that support EF-S can use both EF and EF-S lenses. Full-frame Canon DSLRs and film/larger-sensor EOS bodies use EF only and cannot use EF-S lenses.
- Mount markings: EF lenses usually have a red dot on the mount; EF-S lenses usually have a white square.
One extra note: some third-party crop-sensor lenses use an EF-style mount and may physically fit a full-frame body, but they often vignette or fail to cover the full frame properly.
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