Canon Lens Compatibility Tables: A Quick Reference Guide

Understanding Canon Lens Mounts

Canon utilizes several lens mounts, each designed for specific camera types and sensor sizes. The primary mounts you’ll encounter are EF, EF-S, RF, and RF-S. Knowing the differences between these mounts is essential for selecting the appropriate lenses for your Canon camera system. These mounts are not interchangeable without adapters, and even with adapters, functionality may be limited.

EF Mount

The EF (Electro-Focus) mount is Canon’s long-standing standard for its full-frame DSLR cameras. Introduced in 1987, it’s compatible with a vast range of lenses, making it a versatile choice for photographers. EF lenses are designed to cover the entire area of a full-frame sensor (36mm x 24mm). This broad compatibility makes it a popular choice for professional photographers.

• Designed for full-frame Canon DSLRs.
• Compatible with APS-C Canon DSLRs (with a crop factor).
• Large selection of lenses available.

EF-S Mount

The EF-S (Electro-Focus Short back focus) mount was introduced for Canon’s APS-C sensor DSLR cameras. EF-S lenses are smaller and lighter than EF lenses, making them ideal for smaller camera bodies. They are designed with a shorter back focus distance, allowing for compact lens designs and often more affordable prices. However, EF-S lenses cannot be mounted on full-frame Canon DSLRs.

• Designed for APS-C Canon DSLRs.
• Cannot be used on full-frame Canon DSLRs without modification (not recommended).
• Generally more affordable than EF lenses.

RF Mount

The RF (Re-imagined Focus) mount is Canon’s newest lens mount, designed for its full-frame mirrorless cameras in the EOS R system. The RF mount features a larger diameter and shorter flange focal distance compared to the EF mount. This allows for faster, sharper, and more innovative lens designs. It also provides enhanced communication between the lens and camera.

• Designed for full-frame Canon mirrorless cameras (EOS R system).
• Adapters available for using EF and EF-S lenses.
• Offers superior image quality and performance.

RF-S Mount

The RF-S mount is a variant of the RF mount specifically designed for Canon’s APS-C sensor mirrorless cameras in the EOS R system. RF-S lenses are smaller and lighter, similar to EF-S lenses, and are optimized for the APS-C sensor size. While RF lenses can be used on RF-S cameras, RF-S lenses are not designed for full-frame RF mount cameras.

• Designed for APS-C Canon mirrorless cameras (EOS R system).
• RF lenses can be used on RF-S cameras (with a crop factor).
• RF-S lenses are not compatible with full-frame RF mount cameras.

Canon Lens Compatibility Tables

These tables provide a quick reference guide to Canon lens compatibility. They outline which lenses can be used on different Canon camera bodies. Always double-check compatibility before mounting a lens to avoid potential damage.

EF Lens Compatibility

EF-S Lens Compatibility

RF Lens Compatibility

RF-S Lens Compatibility

Using Adapters for Lens Compatibility

Canon offers adapters that allow you to use EF and EF-S lenses on its RF mount mirrorless cameras. These adapters maintain autofocus and image stabilization functionality, providing a seamless transition for photographers switching to the mirrorless system. However, it’s important to note that using an adapter adds extra length to the lens and camera setup. Adapters are a great way to utilize your existing lens collection on newer camera bodies.

• Adapters allow EF and EF-S lenses to be used on RF mount cameras.
• Maintains autofocus and image stabilization functionality.
• Adds extra length to the lens and camera setup.

Available Adapters

Canon offers several adapters, including the Mount Adapter EF-EOS R, Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R, and Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. Each adapter offers slightly different features, catering to specific needs. The Control Ring adapter adds a customizable control ring to the lens, while the Drop-in Filter adapter allows the use of drop-in filters with EF lenses.

• Mount Adapter EF-EOS R: Basic adapter for EF/EF-S to RF.
• Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R: Adds a customizable control ring.
• Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R: Allows use of drop-in filters.

Crop Factor Explained

When using a lens designed for a full-frame sensor on an APS-C sensor camera, a “crop factor” comes into play. Canon’s APS-C sensors have a crop factor of 1.6x. This means the field of view is effectively narrower than on a full-frame camera. For example, a 50mm lens on an APS-C camera will have a field of view equivalent to an 80mm lens on a full-frame camera (50mm x 1.6 = 80mm). Understanding crop factor is important for framing your shots correctly.

• Canon APS-C sensors have a crop factor of 1.6x.
• Narrows the field of view when using full-frame lenses.
• Must be considered when framing shots.

Tips for Choosing the Right Lens

Selecting the right lens involves considering several factors, including your camera’s sensor size, the type of photography you plan to pursue, and your budget. Start by identifying your primary photographic needs. Are you shooting landscapes, portraits, wildlife, or sports? Each genre benefits from specific lens characteristics, such as focal length and aperture. Consider your budget and research lenses within your price range.

• Identify your primary photographic needs.
• Consider your budget.
• Read reviews and compare lens specifications.

Factors to Consider

Focal length is a critical consideration. Wide-angle lenses (e.g., 16-35mm) are ideal for landscapes, while telephoto lenses (e.g., 70-200mm, 100-400mm) are better suited for wildlife and sports. Aperture affects the amount of light entering the camera and the depth of field. A wider aperture (e.g., f/2.8, f/1.8) allows for shallower depth of field and better low-light performance. Image stabilization is also important, especially for telephoto lenses, as it helps reduce camera shake.

• Focal length: Wide-angle, standard, telephoto.
• Aperture: Affects light and depth of field.
• Image stabilization: Reduces camera shake.