Canon’s EF 50mm f1.8 STM is a low-priced standard prime lens for EOS cameras. It’s the long-awaited replacement for the EF 50mm f1.8 II, Canon’s most successful lens, yet one that’s 24 years old. The latest version promises smoother out-of-focus effects and a closer focusing distance. Find out why it’s a no-brainer in my Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM review!…
Read more
The Canon EF 50mm f1.2L USM is a prime lens with a standard focal length of 50mm and the joint-fastest focal ratio in the Canon lens catalogue – a position shared with the EF 85mm f1.2L USM. Announced in August 2006, the EF 50mm f1.2L USM is one of the most aspirational and exotic mass-produced…
Read more
Canon’s EF-S 18-135mm may not have the reach of the EF-S 18-200mm, but still delivers a respectable general-purpose range of 29-216mm on cropped-frame bodies (again it’s not compatible with full-frame models). It’s a more affordable model, often supplied as an optional kit lens on some newer bodies, and like the EF-S 18-200mm, includes Image…
Read more
Canon’s EF 16-35mm f4L IS USM is an ultra-wide zoom that’s compatible with full-frame DSLRs. It’s the successor to the EF 17-40mm f4L USM, losing a little on the long-end, but gaining a tad on the important wide-end, while also adding the benefit of image stabilization. Crucially it matches the coverage of the EF 16-35mm…
Read more
Canon’s EF 16-35mm f2.8L II USM is the second version of its professional ultra-wide lens. It delivers huge views on a full-frame body and is so wide it’s also usable as a standard zoom on a cropped body. It’s pricey, but features a constant, bright f2.8 aperture, quick and quiet USM focusing, and as an…
Read more
The widest prime lens in the Canon catalogue is a real gem: the EF 14mm f2.8L II USM, now in an improved Mark II version, delivers ultra-wide coverage without any of the distortion of a fisheye. This is the lens to go for if you want to capture big skies, large buildings or expansive landscapes…
Read more
If you’re really into photographing tiny subjects like insects, consider Canon’s MP-E65 which can achieve greater than 1x magnification without attachments. At its closest focusing distance of 24cm, the MP-E65 can deliver 5x reproduction for spectacular close-ups, which combined with the f2.8 aperture can also achieve very blurred background effects. It’s manual focus only, but…
Read more
Close-up fanatics wanting a top-quality Macro lens should consider the EF 100mm f2.8L, which works on cropped and full-frame bodies, delivers 1x magnification and boasts Canon’s first Hybrid Image Stabilisation system which counteracts both lens shift and angular motion. The ‘L’ build quality is dust and moisture-resistant, and the out-of-focus effects look great thanks to…
Read more
Canon’s EF 100mm f2.8 Macro is a close-up lens which will work on both cropped and full-frame bodies. The maximum magnification is 1x, allowing you to reproduce subjects at actual size on the frame for excellent close-ups, while the f2.8 aperture enables blurred backgrounds. The USM focusing is quick and quiet and there’s also full-time…
Read more
Canon’s EF-S 60mm f2.8 is a Macro lens designed for cropped-bodies; as an EF-S model it’s not compatible with full-frame bodies. When mounted on a cropped-body it delivers an equivalent focal length of 96mm, which combined with a minimum focusing distance of 20cm allows you to enjoy serious close-ups. There’s quick and quiet USM focusing,…
Read more
Like my reviews? Buy me a coffee!