Canon EF (& EF-S) lenses [324 listed]

The Canon EF (Electro-Focus) mount, introduced in 1987, marked a pivotal advancement in Canon’s lens lineup, setting the standard for their modern autofocus lenses and systems. Built specifically for Canon’s EOS (Electro-Optical System) cameras, the EF mount is characterized by its fully electronic interface, which enables high-speed communication between the lens and camera body. This design enabled Canon to deliver faster, more accurate autofocus performance and provide greater creative control over exposure, image stabilization, and other lens functionalities.

Table of Contents

Key Features and Design of the EF Mount
Compatibility Across Canon EOS Systems
L-Series Lenses and Innovations
Legacy and Ongoing Relevance of the EF Mount

Key Features and Design of the EF Mount

The EF mount's standout feature is its electronic interface, which replaced mechanical linkages for focusing and aperture control. This fully electronic system relies on electrical contacts that allow the camera and lens to share real-time information seamlessly. The advantages of this system include a higher degree of precision, reliability, and compatibility with Canon’s advanced autofocus and metering technologies. The EF mount also introduced Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM) technology, which delivers near-silent and rapid autofocus, a major advantage for sports and wildlife photographers.

Canon’s commitment to backward compatibility with the EF mount has helped create one of the most extensive lens lineups in the industry. Since all EF-mount lenses work with any Canon EOS camera—both film and digital—photographers have a wide array of options at their disposal, from affordable primes to high-end L-series zooms.

Compatibility Across Canon EOS Systems

The EF mount was originally designed for Canon's 35mm film cameras, but it transitioned seamlessly to the digital era with the advent of Canon’s full-frame DSLR cameras. Unlike other systems that required adapters or had limitations, EF lenses could natively support Canon’s APS-C (crop sensor) DSLRs as well as full-frame models. Canon also developed the EF-S mount for APS-C cameras, which shares much of the EF mount’s design but isn’t compatible with full-frame cameras, allowing for a compact lens design suited to crop-sensor users.

In 2018, Canon introduced its RF mount for the EOS R series, a mirrorless camera system. However, Canon ensured that EF lenses could be used on RF-mount cameras with a simple adapter, preserving the relevance and utility of the EF lineup in the mirrorless world. This adapter solution means that even photographers who’ve moved to Canon’s mirrorless cameras can still use their EF lenses, extending the life and versatility of their existing lens investments.

L-Series Lenses and Innovations

Canon’s EF mount is home to the renowned L-series, a designation for lenses that meet Canon’s highest standards for optical quality, durability, and performance. L-series lenses are easily recognizable by their red ring and are typically weather-sealed, making them popular among professionals who require rugged gear. Canon has developed numerous innovations within the EF mount, including Image Stabilization (IS) to counteract camera shake, fluorine coatings to resist dirt and water, and high-end glass elements to minimize aberrations and enhance image quality.

The EF mount also paved the way for pioneering lenses, like the EF 85mm f/1.2L II, known for its ultra-wide aperture and creamy bokeh, and the EF 11-24mm f/4L, which offers one of the widest fields of view available in a full-frame lens.

Legacy and Ongoing Relevance of the EF Mount

For over three decades, the EF mount has been the foundation of Canon’s success in the photography world. Even as new mounts and technologies emerge, the EF mount remains an enduring standard, with millions of units in circulation and a vast secondary market for lenses and accessories. Its compatibility, performance, and versatility make it a favorite among photographers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

In summary, the Canon EF mount represents a rich legacy of innovation and reliability, offering photographers access to an impressive range of lenses designed for any scenario. From telephoto to macro, wide-angle to superzoom, the EF mount has something for every type of photography, making it one of the most enduring and versatile lens mounts in the industry. Whether on a DSLR or a mirrorless camera with an adapter, EF lenses continue to offer exceptional performance and value, proving that Canon’s commitment to the EF mount has had a lasting impact on the world of photography.

Canon EF Lenses List

Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM

Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM

Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM

Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

Canon EF 11-24mm F4L USM

Canon EF 135mm F2.8 SF

Canon EF 135mm F2L USM

Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM

Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L USM

Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye

Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L II USM

Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L USM

Canon EF 16-35mm F4L IS USM

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM

Canon EF 20-35mm F3.5-4.5 USM

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x

Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM

Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM

Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM

Canon EF 24-105mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM

Canon EF 24-70mm F4L IS USM

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM

Canon EF 24mm f/2.8

Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM

Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM

Canon EF 28-105mm f/4.0-5.6 USM

Canon EF 28-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM

Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6

Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM

Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II

Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 V USM

Canon EF 28-90mm f/4.0-5.6 II

Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM

Canon EF 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L USM

Canon EF 35-80mm f/4.0-5.6 III

Canon EF 35mm F1.4L II USM

Canon EF 35mm F1.4L USM

Canon EF 35mm F2 IS USM

Canon EF 35mm F2.0

Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM

Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM

Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS USM

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM

Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS II USM

Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS USM

Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM

Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II

Canon EF 50mm F1.8 STM

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro

Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM

Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM

Canon EF 600mm f/4.0L IS II USM

Canon EF 600mm f/4.0L IS USM

Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM

Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS USM

Canon EF 70-200mm F4L USM

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

Canon EF 70-300 F4-5.6 IS II USM

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM