Canon Lenses I’ve Used

After using the various Nikkor lenses, I was able to see and appreciate the differences between an OK lens, a good lens, and a great lens; not to mention the bokeh differences between a good and great lens, the advantages of f/2.8 and lower (i.e. f/1.8, f/1.4, f/1.2, and f/1.0) especially in low light.

And now, after having a chance to sample some of Canon’s finer (e.g. Luxury or L) lenses, I am very impressed with the optic quality, the clarity, the build quality, and very fast auto focus system.

The Canon lenses that I have tried:

• Canon EF-S 16-35mm f/2.8L USM
• Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (Canon EOS 400D/XTi Kit Lens)
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
• Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
• Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
• Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

Canon Lenses I Would Get

One of the other main differences that I noticed from Canon and Nikon is that Canon’s L line doesn’t have the same big focal ranges as Nikon has; such as the Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IF-ED VR. I believe part of the reason is that big focal ranges such as the Nikkor 18-200mm (11.1x magnification) causes a loss in image quality; either that or Canon has a great marketing strategy to sell us more lenses!

There are three major Canon L lenses that I would get that I think cover pretty much the entire range. These lenses being: the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM, and the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

The digital focal range of this lens on the APS-C (1.6x) sized CMOS would be 38.4-112mm making it a useful “everyday” lens. The picture quality is excellent! The auto focus is fast and precise and the build quality is excellent as with all the other L lenses.

The major drawbacks of this lens is that it is heavy (more than 2 lbs.) and is definitely not small. The Canon Rebel 400D/XTi is so small on this lens that when you put the camera down, it doesn’t rest on the camera’s bottom but rather rests on the lens! I found myself carrying the Rebel 400D/XTi with the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens by the lens rather by the body. The hood that comes with the lens is also quite large eclipsing the EOS Rebel 400D/XTi when viewed straight on from the front of the lens.

The maximum aperture of f/2.8 makes shooting in low light more manageable.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens review here.

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

You’ll notice that I didn’t opt for the IS (image stabilization) version of this lens. I find that IS and VR seem to be more gimmicky and a marketing strategy than actually useful in real life situations. After some serious reconsiderations, I do find IS (image stabilization) to be quite useful. Especially on the 200mm focal range in low light when having to hand hold at 1/30^th or lower of a shot. The focal range of this lens on the APS-C CMOS be 112-320mm, making it an ideal sports lens especially with the maximum aperture of f/2.8.

You’ll also notice that this lens is colored in the trademarked white body paint that is usually attributed to the Canon lenses noticeable seen as used by many professional sports photographer. Making the lens body white, as Canon theorized, helps dissipate heat thereby preventing and/or limiting the emergence of heat waves near the glass and in the barrel that would interfere with image quality.

Read my review on this lens here.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4-5.6L IS USM

I haven’t had a chance to use this lens just yet, but I keep hearing great reviews. It’s has a fantastic focal range for a variety of occasions. The major drawback is the slower aperture, but f/5.6 at 400 *isn’t* that bad for the price of this lens versus the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L. Also at 400mm, it doesn’t quite have the same sharpness as the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L prime lens, but for versatility, it’s a compromise.

This lens, because of the slow aperture, definitely is not a sports lens, although it could probably do pretty decent with enough lighting. This is a great bird lens and cases where you need that extra reach.

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