What’s the difference between the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L USM and EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM, and will they fit a 5D Mark III?
Asked 10/17/2014
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I’m comparing the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L USM (original version) with the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM. What are the main differences in optical performance, handling, or build between these two lenses? Also, since they are both EF lenses, can either one be mounted and used on a Canon 5D Mark III?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
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Any EF lens can be used on one of Canon's full-frame cameras.
Generally, when Canon makes a newer version of a lens, it's because there can either be improvements to the optical design, or they can make a cheaper version of the lens. With Ls, it's usually the former. The Mk I version of the 14L came out in 1991. The Mk II version in 2007, so you are talking 16 years' worth of optical design advances between the two. Essentially, the main optical designs remain similar, but the MkII has been tweaked with a few more exotic elements added.
From Canon USA's Camera Museum website, the block diagrams of the two designs are:
EF 14mm f/2.8L USM
The green element is aspherical.
EF 14mm f/2.8L USM II
The dark green elements are UD (ultra-low dispersion glass) elements, and the two light green elements are aspherical.
Aspherical elements can add sharpness and reduce aberrations. UD and flourite elements can help with chromatic aberration correction.
Originally by user27440. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user27440
11y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. Both lenses are Canon EF-mount lenses, so both can be used on a Canon 5D Mark III.
The main difference is that the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM is a newer optical design and is generally considered the better performer. Compared with the original version, the Mark II offers:
- noticeably sharper edges/corners
- reduced color fringing / purple fringing
- more consistent image quality across the frame
- some updated optical elements/design refinements
- a rear gasket for better weather sealing
- minor build/styling changes, including a different built-in hood
- slightly more weight
Community experience also notes that the Mark II can leave a bit more usable image area after lens corrections, and some users see a slightly cooler rendering, though color is easy to adjust in post.
In short: if image quality is the priority, especially edge sharpness and lower fringing on a full-frame body like the 5D Mark III, the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM is the improved version.
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