Lens designations
Oct 19, 2013 11:42:30 #
Ok, I don't want to start a shooting war here; it's just a simple request...
Can anyone explain (or point me to a decent source) what all the letter designations are for lenses? I am more interested in Canon, but I wouldn't object to knowing more about the Nikon ones too.
I understand IS, and I guess the Nikon version is VR, but most of the others don't mean much to me.
Which ones are specifically for full-frame vs cropped sensors - and what is the difference? I can see that a lens designed for a crop sensor might limit a full-frame, but is there a problem going the other way? Can a full-frame lens be used on a crop camera?
Thanks in advance...
Can anyone explain (or point me to a decent source) what all the letter designations are for lenses? I am more interested in Canon, but I wouldn't object to knowing more about the Nikon ones too.
I understand IS, and I guess the Nikon version is VR, but most of the others don't mean much to me.
Which ones are specifically for full-frame vs cropped sensors - and what is the difference? I can see that a lens designed for a crop sensor might limit a full-frame, but is there a problem going the other way? Can a full-frame lens be used on a crop camera?
Thanks in advance...
Oct 19, 2013 11:49:29 #
FredB
Loc: A little below the Mason-Dixon line.
It's simple. EF lenses fit all Canon DSLR bodies made since 1987. They work just as well on a crop-sensor body, but do give you a different FOV, because of the crop. E.G, a 50mm lens on a crop sensor body gives you a look like 80mm lens would on a full-frame body. (50mm times 1.6)
EF-S lenses are designed SPECIFICALLY for crop-sensor, APS-C bodies and will not fit full-frame bodies. (10-22mm adaptations notwithstanding...) Think S = Smaller
EF-M lenses are designed for their mirrorless body.
EF-S lenses are designed SPECIFICALLY for crop-sensor, APS-C bodies and will not fit full-frame bodies. (10-22mm adaptations notwithstanding...) Think S = Smaller
EF-M lenses are designed for their mirrorless body.
Oct 19, 2013 11:53:11 #
With Nikon, DX means digital and FX is Full Frame.
I think Sigma digital is DG. Sigma uses OS for Optical Stabilization.
Tamron is called VC, Vibration Control.
I think Sigma digital is DG. Sigma uses OS for Optical Stabilization.
Tamron is called VC, Vibration Control.
Oct 19, 2013 12:50:39 #
Bloke, welcome to the Hog.
Very important. On some canon lenses, they are also designated with a capital letter, " L ". These lenses also have a red ring around the lenses far end. Those are the professional grade lenses in the Canon line-up. The L has no known meaning, though guesses abound.
Canon also has a DO designation. Stands for" diffractive optics". A special design making the lenses more compact, and also have a green ring.
TS, stands for "tilt shift".
I think MACRO is spelled out, but not sure.
EFS, is actually EFs, I think ?
Sorry Bloke, but I ONLY know Canon. Hope this helps.
SS
Very important. On some canon lenses, they are also designated with a capital letter, " L ". These lenses also have a red ring around the lenses far end. Those are the professional grade lenses in the Canon line-up. The L has no known meaning, though guesses abound.
Canon also has a DO designation. Stands for" diffractive optics". A special design making the lenses more compact, and also have a green ring.
TS, stands for "tilt shift".
I think MACRO is spelled out, but not sure.
EFS, is actually EFs, I think ?
Sorry Bloke, but I ONLY know Canon. Hope this helps.
SS
Oct 19, 2013 13:16:06 #
Oct 19, 2013 13:28:35 #
"L" means expensive (for a reason). Top quality optics and sealed lens bodies.
Oct 19, 2013 13:47:38 #
St3v3M wrote:
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/04/02/do-or-di-your-lens-markings-explained
Thanks for the link! This is exactly what I needed. It's like alphabetti-spaghetti out there!
Oct 19, 2013 14:11:54 #
St3v3M wrote:
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/04/02/do-or-di-your-lens-markings-explained
Quote:
G Stands for Gold a designation found on top-class Sony lenses. Its also used for current Panasonic Lumix compact system cameras and lenses.
Not completely true. Nikon has G lenses.
Oct 19, 2013 14:36:11 #
buffmaloney wrote:
With Nikon, DX means digital and FX is Full Frame.
I think Sigma digital is DG. Sigma uses OS for Optical Stabilization.
Tamron is called VC, Vibration Control.
I think Sigma digital is DG. Sigma uses OS for Optical Stabilization.
Tamron is called VC, Vibration Control.
DX does NOT mean "Digital". DX indicates the optical elements are smaller and sized specifically for Crop Sensor digital bodies.
FX is never used on lenses. Full frame lenses are the same as film lenses and simply do not have "DX" on them. Nikon only uses the FX designation on their Full Frame bodies.
Sigma uses "DG" on all their lenses designated for either film OR full frame Digital bodies. Sigma makes lenses specifically for Crop Sensor Digital bodies and all these lenses carry a "DC" in their description.
Oct 19, 2013 14:36:50 #
Another good source for explaining the code values is http://www.kenrockwell.com/ His lens reviews provide details on each code value in the names of the lenses he's reviewed.
Oct 19, 2013 15:20:22 #
Here's an example Bloke. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom
EF = Electronic Focus
70-200mm = Focal range in milli-meters
f/2.8 = Aperture
IS = Image Stabilization
II = second version
USM = Ultra-Sonic Motor (focusing moter)
EF = Electronic Focus
70-200mm = Focal range in milli-meters
f/2.8 = Aperture
IS = Image Stabilization
II = second version
USM = Ultra-Sonic Motor (focusing moter)
Oct 19, 2013 16:17:49 #
MT Shooter wrote:
DX does NOT mean "Digital". DX indicates... (show quote)
Maybe I should have been more clear since some don't have the intelligence to understand. DX lenses are for DSLR cameras. As for the Sigma, notice I said I think, therefore I was not positive about it.
Oct 19, 2013 16:19:14 #
People on this forum sure are condescending. I can see why some people don't want to be here.
Oct 19, 2013 16:22:54 #
buffmaloney wrote:
Maybe I should have been more clear since some don't have the intelligence to understand. DX lenses are for DSLR cameras. As for the Sigma, notice I said I think, therefore I was not positive about it.
Its obvious that YOU are the one who does not understand what digital means. Spouting misinformation does absolutely nothing to accentuate your credibility. If you feel the need to make a statement, please be sure that its a factual statement.
Oct 19, 2013 20:27:19 #
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