Canon EF-M Mount lenses list

Canon EF-M lenses are specifically designed for Canon's mirrorless cameras, providing high-quality optics in a compact and lightweight form. Since Canon's entry into the mirrorless camera market in 2012, the company has continuously developed and expanded its line of EF-M lenses, offering a wide range of options for photographers of all levels. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the EF-M lens series, their advantages, compatibility, and how to choose the right lens for your needs. Whether you're a beginner or a professional photographer, understanding the features and capabilities of Canon EF-M lenses can help you make better-informed decisions when selecting lenses for your mirrorless camera.

Overview of Canon EF-M lenses

Canon EF-M lenses are a series of lenses designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless camera systems, including the EOS M and EOS R series. These lenses are characterized by their compact size, light weight, and high image quality, making them ideal for travel, street photography, and everyday use.

The EF-M lens series includes both prime and zoom lenses, with focal lengths ranging from ultra-wide-angle to telephoto. Canon currently offers a total of nine EF-M lenses, with more expected to be released in the future.

One of the key advantages of EF-M lenses is their compatibility with Canon's mirrorless camera bodies, which feature a smaller lens mount compared to Canon's DSLR camera bodies. The smaller lens mount allows for more compact and lightweight lenses while maintaining image quality and performance.

In addition to their compatibility with Canon mirrorless cameras, EF-M lenses can also be used with Canon's EF and EF-S lenses using a mount adapter. This makes the EF-M lens system even more versatile and opens up a wide range of lens choices for photographers.

Overall, Canon EF-M lenses offer a compact and lightweight option for photographers looking for high-quality optics in a small form factor. With a growing selection of lenses, the EF-M lens system is a great choice for Canon mirrorless camera users looking to expand their lens selection.

Brief history of Canon EF-M development

Canon introduced its first mirrorless camera, the EOS M, in 2012. At the time, the camera was compatible with Canon's EF and EF-S lenses using a mount adapter, but there were no dedicated lenses designed specifically for the EOS M system.

In 2013, Canon announced the release of its first two EF-M lenses: the 22mm f/2 STM pancake lens and the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM zoom lens. These lenses were designed to be small and lightweight, perfectly complementing the compact size of the EOS M camera.

Since then, Canon has continued to expand its EF-M lens lineup, adding new prime and zoom lenses with different focal lengths and apertures. In 2016, Canon also introduced the EOS M5, its first high-end mirrorless camera, further expanding the demand for EF-M lenses.

The development of EF-M lenses has been a significant focus for Canon, as the company recognizes the importance of mirrorless cameras in the current market. Canon has continued to invest in the development of the EF-M lens lineup, providing mirrorless camera users with a growing selection of lenses that offer both convenience and high image quality.

Overall, the evolution of Canon EF-M lenses represents Canon's commitment to meeting the needs of mirrorless camera users, and their dedication to developing a compact and versatile lens system that offers both convenience and performance.

Purpose of this article

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of Canon EF-M lenses and their features, advantages, compatibility, and how to choose the right lens for your needs. With the increasing popularity of Canon's mirrorless camera systems, EF-M lenses have become a key component of the Canon lens ecosystem. Understanding the benefits and limitations of EF-M lenses can help photographers make better-informed decisions when selecting lenses for their mirrorless camera.

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced photographer, this article will provide you with the information you need to understand the key features of EF-M lenses, their compatibility with Canon mirrorless cameras, and how to choose the right lens for your specific photography needs. We hope that by the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of EF-M lenses and be better equipped to make informed decisions when selecting lenses for your Canon mirrorless camera.

Advantages of Canon EF-M lenses

Canon EF-M lenses offer several advantages that make them a compelling choice for photographers looking for high-quality optics in a compact and lightweight form. These advantages include their small size and weight, compatibility with Canon mirrorless cameras, image quality, and affordability.

In this chapter, we'll explore each of these advantages in more detail, explaining how they can benefit photographers in different scenarios. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first lens, or a professional photographer looking for a more portable alternative to your DSLR lenses, understanding the advantages of EF-M lenses can help you make an informed decision when selecting lenses for your mirrorless camera.

Size and weight

One of the primary advantages of Canon EF-M lenses is their small size and light weight. The EF-M lens series is designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless cameras, which have a smaller lens mount than Canon's DSLR cameras. This smaller mount allows for a more compact and lightweight lens design while maintaining high image quality and performance.

Compared to Canon's EF and EF-S lenses, which are designed for DSLRs, EF-M lenses are significantly smaller and lighter, making them an ideal choice for travel, street photography, and everyday use. For example, the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM pancake lens is only 23.7mm thick and weighs just 105g, making it one of the smallest and lightest lenses available for Canon mirrorless cameras.

The small size and light weight of EF-M lenses also make them well-suited for use with compact mirrorless cameras such as the Canon EOS M50 Mark II or the EOS M6 Mark II. With an EF-M lens attached, these cameras remain highly portable, allowing photographers to capture high-quality images without having to carry a heavy and bulky camera system.

Overall, the small size and light weight of EF-M lenses make them an attractive option for photographers looking for a compact and portable lens system that doesn't sacrifice image quality or performance.

Compatibility with Canon mirrorless cameras

Canon EF-M lenses are designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless cameras, including the EOS M and EOS R series. This means that EF-M lenses are fully compatible with these cameras, allowing photographers to take advantage of the smaller size and lighter weight of these lenses without sacrificing image quality or performance.

EF-M lenses are designed with Canon's STM (Stepping Motor) technology, which provides smooth and quiet autofocus, making these lenses ideal for shooting both photos and videos. The STM technology is especially beneficial for video shooters, as it allows for smooth and quiet autofocus during recording.

In addition to their compatibility with Canon's mirrorless cameras, EF-M lenses can also be used with Canon's EF and EF-S lenses using a mount adapter. This opens up a wide range of lens choices for photographers who already own Canon lenses designed for DSLRs.

The mount adapter maintains the electronic connection between the lens and the camera, allowing autofocus, image stabilization, and other features to work as intended. However, using an adapter may result in slightly slower autofocus speeds compared to using a native EF-M lens.

Overall, the compatibility of EF-M lenses with Canon's mirrorless cameras makes them a versatile and practical choice for photographers looking for a compact and lightweight lens system that can deliver high-quality images and smooth autofocus.

Image quality

Canon EF-M lenses are designed to deliver high-quality images, with sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy that meet the expectations of demanding photographers. The EF-M lens series includes both prime and zoom lenses, each designed to deliver excellent optical performance.

EF-M lenses are designed with advanced optical technology, including aspherical and UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements, which help to reduce distortion, chromatic aberration, and other optical imperfections that can affect image quality.

In addition to their advanced optical design, EF-M lenses also feature Canon's Super Spectra Coating, which helps to reduce ghosting and flare. The coating helps to ensure that images captured with EF-M lenses are clear and free of unwanted artifacts.

Overall, the image quality delivered by EF-M lenses is impressive, making them a great choice for photographers who demand high-quality optics in a compact and lightweight form factor. Whether you're shooting landscapes, portraits, or everyday scenes, EF-M lenses can help you capture the moment with clarity and detail.

Affordable pricing

Another advantage of Canon EF-M lenses is their affordable pricing. Compared to Canon's EF and EF-S lenses, which can often be quite expensive, EF-M lenses are generally more budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice for photographers looking to expand their lens collection without breaking the bank.

EF-M lenses are designed to be compact and lightweight, which helps to keep manufacturing costs down. In addition, Canon's focus on developing a lens system specifically for mirrorless cameras means that EF-M lenses are optimized for these cameras, which can also help to reduce costs.

Despite their affordable pricing, EF-M lenses still deliver high-quality optics and excellent performance, making them a great value for the money. With a growing selection of lenses to choose from, photographers can find a lens that meets their needs without having to spend a fortune.

Overall, the affordability of EF-M lenses makes them a practical choice for photographers on a budget who still want high-quality optics and performance. Whether you're just starting out in photography or are looking to expand your lens collection, EF-M lenses offer an excellent balance of affordability and performance.

Canon EF-M lens compatibility

Canon EF-M lenses are designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless cameras, including the EOS M and EOS R series. However, EF-M lenses can also be used with Canon's DSLRs and other mirrorless cameras using mount adapters.

In this chapter, we'll explore the compatibility of EF-M lenses with Canon's mirrorless cameras and DSLRs, including which cameras are compatible and how to use EF-M lenses with different cameras. We'll also discuss the compatibility of EF-M lenses with Canon's EF and EF-S lenses, as well as the use of mount adapters to expand your lens selection.

Whether you're a beginner or a professional photographer, understanding the compatibility of EF-M lenses can help you make better-informed decisions when selecting lenses for your Canon camera. By the end of this chapter, you'll have a better understanding of how EF-M lenses can be used with different cameras and lenses, and how to make the most of their compatibility.

Which Canon mirrorless cameras are compatible with EF-M lenses

Canon EF-M lenses are designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless cameras, including the EOS M and EOS R series. All EF-M lenses are fully compatible with these cameras, providing excellent image quality and performance in a compact and lightweight form.

The following Canon mirrorless cameras are compatible with EF-M lenses:

Canon EOS M50 Mark II Canon EOS M50 Canon EOS M6 Mark II Canon EOS M6 Canon EOS M5 Canon EOS M3 Canon EOS M2 In addition to these cameras, EF-M lenses can also be used with Canon's EOS R series of full-frame mirrorless cameras using a mount adapter.

Using an EF-M lens with a compatible Canon mirrorless camera is easy. Simply attach the lens to the camera's lens mount and start shooting. Autofocus, image stabilization, and other features will work as intended, providing excellent performance and image quality.

Overall, the compatibility of EF-M lenses with Canon's mirrorless cameras makes them a versatile and practical choice for photographers looking for a compact and lightweight lens system that can deliver high-quality images and smooth autofocus.

Compatibility with EF and EF-S lenses

Canon EF-M lenses are designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless cameras, but they can also be used with Canon's EF and EF-S lenses using a mount adapter. This opens up a wide range of lens choices for photographers who already own Canon lenses designed for DSLRs.

The Canon mount adapter for EF-EOS M allows EF and EF-S lenses to be attached to EF-M mount cameras, while maintaining the electronic connection between the lens and the camera. This allows autofocus, image stabilization, and other features to work as intended.

Using an adapter does come with some limitations, however. Autofocus speeds may be slightly slower compared to using a native EF-M lens, and the size and weight of the lens may offset some of the portability benefits of using a mirrorless camera.

Despite these limitations, using an adapter can be a practical and cost-effective way to expand your lens collection and take advantage of the advanced features of Canon's mirrorless cameras.

Overall, the compatibility of EF-M lenses with Canon's EF and EF-S lenses using a mount adapter makes the EF-M lens system a versatile and practical choice for photographers looking for a compact and lightweight lens system that can deliver high-quality images with a wide range of lens options.

Mount adapters

Mount adapters are accessories that allow lenses designed for one camera system to be used with another camera system. For Canon mirrorless cameras, mount adapters can be used to attach EF and EF-S lenses to EF-M mount cameras, or to attach EF-M lenses to Canon's DSLRs.

Canon offers several mount adapters that allow photographers to expand their lens options and take advantage of the full range of lenses available in the Canon ecosystem.

The Canon mount adapter for EF-EOS M is designed to allow EF and EF-S lenses to be used with EF-M mount cameras, while maintaining the electronic connection between the lens and the camera. This allows autofocus, image stabilization, and other features to work as intended.

Canon also offers a mount adapter with a built-in variable ND filter, which allows photographers to control the amount of light that enters the camera when using lenses with large apertures in bright sunlight. This can be especially useful for video shooters who want to achieve a shallow depth of field while filming outdoors.

In addition to these mount adapters, there are also third-party options available from manufacturers such as Fotodiox and Viltrox, which can be a more affordable alternative to Canon's own adapters.

Overall, mount adapters offer a practical way to expand your lens collection and take advantage of the advanced features of Canon's mirrorless cameras, while still using lenses designed for DSLRs or other camera systems. Whether you're looking to use EF and EF-S lenses with your EF-M mount camera, or EF-M lenses with your DSLR, mount adapters can provide a practical and cost-effective solution.

How to choose the right Canon EF-M lens

With a growing selection of Canon EF-M lenses available, choosing the right lens for your needs can be a daunting task. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced photographer, understanding the different types of EF-M lenses and their characteristics can help you make better-informed decisions when selecting lenses for your mirrorless camera.

In this chapter, we'll provide some tips and guidelines to help you choose the right Canon EF-M lens for your needs. We'll discuss factors such as focal length, aperture, and lens type, and explain how these factors can affect your photography. By the end of this chapter, you'll have a better understanding of how to choose the right EF-M lens for your specific photography needs, whether you're shooting landscapes, portraits, or everyday scenes.

Considerations when choosing a lens

When choosing a Canon EF-M lens, there are several factors to consider, including focal length, aperture, lens type, and budget. Understanding how these factors can affect your photography can help you make better-informed decisions when selecting lenses for your mirrorless camera.

Focal Length

The focal length of a lens determines its angle of view and magnification. A shorter focal length lens, such as a wide-angle lens, will have a wider field of view and be useful for landscapes and architecture photography. A longer focal length lens, such as a telephoto lens, will have a narrower field of view and be useful for portraits and wildlife photography.

Aperture

The aperture of a lens determines how much light it can gather and the depth of field. A lens with a larger maximum aperture, such as f/1.4, will allow more light to enter the camera, making it useful for low light situations and achieving a shallow depth of field for portraits. A lens with a smaller maximum aperture, such as f/5.6, will let in less light but will offer a greater depth of field, making it useful for landscapes and architecture photography.

Lens Type

EF-M lenses come in both prime and zoom varieties, with prime lenses having a fixed focal length and zoom lenses having a variable focal length. Prime lenses generally offer better image quality and wider apertures, while zoom lenses offer more flexibility and convenience.

Budget

EF-M lenses are generally more affordable than Canon's EF and EF-S lenses, making them an excellent choice for photographers on a budget. However, prices can vary significantly depending on the lens type, aperture, and focal length, so it's important to consider your budget when selecting a lens.

Overall, when choosing a Canon EF-M lens, it's important to consider your specific photography needs, including the types of subjects you will be photographing, the lighting conditions you will be working in, and your budget. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a lens that meets your needs and helps you achieve your creative vision.

Examples of suitable EF-M lenses for different types of photography

Choosing the right Canon EF-M lens for your photography needs can be challenging, especially with the growing selection of lenses available. To help you make an informed decision, here are some examples of suitable EF-M lenses for different types of photography:

Landscape Photography

For landscape photography, a wide-angle lens can help you capture the expansive beauty of natural environments. The Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is an excellent choice, offering a wide-angle field of view and built-in image stabilization for sharp and blur-free images.

Portrait Photography

For portrait photography, a lens with a wider aperture can help you create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background. The Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM is an excellent choice, offering a wide aperture and fast autofocus performance for sharp and detailed portraits.

Street Photography

For street photography, a lens with a versatile focal length and fast autofocus performance can help you capture the energy and spontaneity of urban environments. The Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is an excellent choice, offering a wide zoom range and built-in image stabilization for versatile and sharp photography.

Travel Photography

For travel photography, a lens with a versatile zoom range and compact size can help you capture the beauty and diversity of different cultures and environments. The Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is an excellent choice, offering a wide zoom range and lightweight design for convenient and sharp photography.

Overall, the right Canon EF-M lens for your photography needs depends on your shooting style, subject matter, and creative vision. Consider your specific needs when choosing an EF-M lens to ensure you select the right lens for your photography needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Canon EF-M lenses offer a wide range of options for photographers who want to take advantage of the benefits of mirrorless cameras. EF-M lenses are designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless cameras and offer a range of advantages over other lenses, including their small and lightweight design, compatibility with Canon mirrorless cameras, and affordable pricing.

When choosing a Canon EF-M lens, it's important to consider factors such as focal length, aperture, image stabilization, and autofocus performance, to ensure that you select the right lens for your specific photography needs. By considering these factors and the examples we've provided, you can choose the right Canon EF-M lens to help you achieve your creative vision.

Overall, Canon EF-M lenses offer an excellent combination of performance, convenience, and affordability, making them an excellent choice for photographers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced photographer, Canon EF-M lenses can help you take your photography to the next level and capture images that reflect your unique creative vision.

Recap of the advantages of Canon EF-M lenses

Canon EF-M lenses offer a range of advantages for photographers who want to take advantage of the benefits of mirrorless cameras. Here's a recap of some of the advantages of Canon EF-M lenses:

Small and Lightweight Design

EF-M lenses are specifically designed for Canon's mirrorless cameras, which are known for their compact and lightweight design. EF-M lenses are also small and lightweight, making them easy to carry and use for extended periods of time.

Compatibility with Canon Mirrorless Cameras

EF-M lenses are designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless cameras, ensuring that they work seamlessly with the camera's autofocus and other features. This compatibility can result in faster and more accurate focusing performance, and better overall image quality.

Affordable Pricing

EF-M lenses are generally more affordable than Canon's EF and EF-S lenses, making them an excellent choice for photographers on a budget. Despite their lower cost, EF-M lenses still offer excellent image quality and performance, making them a great value for photographers of all levels.

Excellent Image Quality

EF-M lenses are known for their excellent image quality, with many lenses offering advanced features such as image stabilization and fast autofocus performance. Whether you're shooting landscapes, portraits, or action photography, EF-M lenses can help you capture sharp and detailed images with excellent color and contrast.

Overall, Canon EF-M lenses offer a range of advantages for photographers who want to take advantage of the benefits of mirrorless cameras. By choosing the right EF-M lens based on your specific photography needs, you can achieve excellent results and capture images that reflect your unique creative vision.

Final thoughts and recommendations

In conclusion, Canon EF-M lenses are an excellent choice for photographers who want to take advantage of the benefits of mirrorless cameras. EF-M lenses offer a range of advantages over other lenses, including their small and lightweight design, compatibility with Canon mirrorless cameras, and affordable pricing.

When choosing a Canon EF-M lens, it's important to consider factors such as focal length, aperture, image stabilization, and autofocus performance, to ensure that you select the right lens for your specific photography needs. By considering these factors and the examples we've provided, you can choose the right Canon EF-M lens to help you achieve your creative vision.

Overall, Canon EF-M lenses offer excellent performance, convenience, and value, making them an excellent choice for photographers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced photographer, Canon EF-M lenses can help you take your photography to the next level and capture images that reflect your unique creative vision.

As a final recommendation, we suggest that you invest in a few high-quality EF-M lenses that are suitable for your specific photography needs. This will help you achieve the best possible results and allow you to experiment with different creative techniques and styles. With the right EF-M lenses, you can take your photography to new heights and capture images that will inspire and amaze your audience.