Canon EF Lenses

the chart

Each prime lens on the chart is represented by a point given by the lens' focal length (mm) and maximum aperture. Zoom lenses are shown as curves whose end points correspond to the lens' maximum aperature at its lowest and highest focal lengths. The path of the curve does not reflect the relationship between focal length and maximum aperture - the curve is routed to minimize, where possible, the number of intersection with other curves. Prices are based on listings at adorama.com.

lens information

Don't be surprised if the information in the pages below isn't updated frequently. Lens technology is improved incrementally and new lens launches are infrequent.

• Canon offers a lot of information about their lenses. A lot of it is very readable, regardless of level and knowledge of the Canon line up. An EF Lens 101 covers the basics. Canon offers an individual summary for each of its EF lenses, which includes sample images and MTF. A complete EF lens spec sheet is also available (local copy).
• Canon publishes the modulation transfer function profiles (wtf is mtf?) for all EF lenses. This is a good thing. The MTF profiles are computed, however, not based on real performance. To compare two MTF functions try Andrew's Magnificent MTF Comparometer.
• An excellent EF Lens Beginner's FAQ is provided by NK Guy. This section of the FAQ is part of a larger EOS Beginner's FAQ. Even if you are a seasoned pro, I highly recommend this resource.
• Finally, if you want to know everything about EF lenses from the horse's mouth, pick up a copy of Canon EF Lens Works III. It's a Canon publication, thus shamelessly self-contratulatory and at times extremely poorly written and downright cheesy, but it does provide (a) description of every lens, (b) sample images for each lens, some breathtaking, (c) MTF functions, including with 1.4x and 2x extenders, (d) description of Canon technology and (e) pretty comprehensive optical glossary. At $20 is a very good buy.

lens reviews

• fredmiranda.com publishes user reviews of Canon, as well as other, lenses. Good reading if you want to know what a lot of people who use the lenses actually think.
• Reviews by William L Castleman of a large number of L lenses. The reviews are well written, and of a technical nature, making use of images of mannequins to illustrate lens characteristics and resolution plots.
• Bob Atkins reviews not only Canon but also some Tamron lenses.
• A large number of reviews at The Digital Picture. A lot of the reviews of similar lenses use the same text and are heavy on describing features more than performance.