Canon lens overview

Canon’s EOS digital SLRs are backed up by the world’s most comprehensive system of interchangeable lenses. From 14mm ultra-wide angle to 800mm super telephoto, the 60+ lenses in the EF series cover all possible shooting requirements.

Lens formats

Fixed focal length (Prime)

Fixed focal length lenses generally offer a wider maximum aperture than zoom lenses. From ultra-wide angle lenses (ideal for indoor shooting e.g. wedding groups) to long telephoto lenses (extensively used for wildlife, sports and news photography.

Zoom and Telephoto

Zoom lenses are the equivalent of two or more fixed focal length lenses in one unit and can instantly bring you closer to the subject. The maximum aperture of some zoom lenses changes as the focal length is altered, but through-the-lens (TTL) metering takes this into account to give correct exposure.

Macro

By bringing small things into full-sized view, macro lenses can uncover detail that would be impossible to detect with the naked eye and give a new perspective to extremely minute subjects such as small insects or the petals of a flower.

Specialist tilt and shift lenses

These special lenses with their tilt and shift movements further expand photographic possibilities. Tilt movements allow the user to obtain a wide depth of field even at the maximum aperture and still keep the entire subject in focus. Shift movements correct the converging verticals seen in pictures taken of tall objects such as buildings, so that the subject does not look distorted.