Canon EF vs Canon EF-S lens

Question

I was wondering:

Other than the fact that EF-S lenses are targeted to cropped bodies, and can not be used on full frames.

(Supposedly if there was L series for the EF-S) Would the EF lenses be superior than EF-S?

What about comparing two non L lenses?

Thanks

possible duplicate of What are the advantages to using EF-S lenses on Canon APS-C cameras? — mattdm, Jul 29 '12 at 04:50
Possible duplicate of What is the difference between EF and EF-S lenses? — xiota, Jun 12 '19 at 19:07

score 4 · Answer 1 · answered Jul 29 '12 at 05:20

4

Many EF lenses (especially L series) are going to be of higher quality than EF-S lenses based on marketing economics. The market willing to pay more for a quality lens also likely has paid more for a higher end camera (for example 5DmkIII).

There is one technical aspect why EF lenses would be better than EF-S lenses on crop bodies. A smaller sensor is going to encounter fewer of the quality problems at the edge of the image. So an EF lens on, for example, a 7D, will see less light fall off, less aberration, and less distortion, because it is not picking up near the edge where lenses generally exhibit their weaknesses.

answered Jul 29 '12 at 05:20

Skaperen

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So it would make sense to stick with EF lenses in general. – Bill Jul 29 '12 at 05:33
@Bill, Sort of... if money isn't an issue and if there is an equivalent EF lens. But EF equivalents to the EF-S 10-22mm, 15-85mm and 17-55 for example don't really exist (and where similar EF lenses like the 16-35mm or 17-40mm exist, they have other trade-offs like much smaller zoom range and much bigger price-tags). – drfrogsplat Jan 22 '14 at 06:17

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 29 '12 at 16:37

It's not necessarily true to say that an EF-S lens on an APS-C body (such as the EOS 7D) will be inferior to an EF lens which has an equivalent angle-of-view on a full-frame body (such as the EOS 5D Mk II).

For instance, the EF-S 10-22mm lens is highly regarded, and some even rate it as better than the EF 17-40mm L-series lens. (To be fair, both are about the same price.)

Similarly, the EF-S 17-55mm lens is often said to be as good as an L-series lens in terms of optical performance. (Again, the price reflects this quality.)

If you're a fan of comparing raw optical performance of Canon lenses, take a look at lens review sites such as:

Of course, most of these sites will remind you that lens quality is less important than just getting out there and taking interesting pictures.

Canon EF vs Canon EF-S lens

2 Answers2