Questions about Nifty Fifty Canon
Jul 27, 2013 21:08:57 #
I have a Canon 50mm f1.8 II that is made in Japan. I noticed that the newer versions look different. Does anyone know where the new ones are made?
Jul 27, 2013 21:26:44 #
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx
The first letter indicates where the lens was made. Prior to 1986, this letter is moved to the last position of the date code.
The second letter is a year code that indicates the year of manufacture. Canon increments this letter each year starting with A in 1986 and prior to that, A in 1960 without the leading factory code.
The first two numbers, "09", is the month number the lens was manufactured in. Month 02 is February, month 11 = November. The leading zero of the month code is sometimes omitted.
The next two numbers, "02", are meaningless in determining how old a Canon lens is. This is a Canon internal code (that is occasionally omitted).
The first letter indicates where the lens was made. Prior to 1986, this letter is moved to the last position of the date code.
The second letter is a year code that indicates the year of manufacture. Canon increments this letter each year starting with A in 1986 and prior to that, A in 1960 without the leading factory code.
The first two numbers, "09", is the month number the lens was manufactured in. Month 02 is February, month 11 = November. The leading zero of the month code is sometimes omitted.
The next two numbers, "02", are meaningless in determining how old a Canon lens is. This is a Canon internal code (that is occasionally omitted).
Jul 27, 2013 22:03:19 #
St3v3M wrote:
Thanks for the information.
Jul 28, 2013 07:37:21 #
St3v3M wrote:
Not all Canon lenses have this code printed on them.
Here is a list I've found indicating those that do.
All L-series lenses
EF15mm f/2.8 Fisheye
EF24mm f/2.8
EF28mm f/2.8
EF28-70mm f/3.5-4.5
EF28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 II
EF35mm f/2
EF35-70mm f/3.5-4.5
EF35-70mm f/3.5-4.5 A
EF35-105mm f/3.5-4.5
EF35-135mm f/3.5-4.5
EF50-200mm f/3.5-4.5
EF50mm f/1.8
EF50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro
EF70-210mm f/4
EF100-200mm f/4.5 A
EF100-300mm f/5.6
EF135mm f/2.8 Soft Focus
MP-E65 f/2.8 Macro
TS-E45mm f/2.8
TS-E90mm f/2.8
The EF 50mm MK I does have it the MK II does not.
Apparently the coding has changed again with the 10 digit serial numbers on new lenses.
Check here for more information.
http://www.eflens.com/lens_articles/canon_lens_date_codes.html#history_of_EF_lenses
Jul 28, 2013 08:16:21 #
EoS_User wrote:
Not all Canon lenses have this code printed on them.
...
Check here for more information.
http://www.eflens.com/lens_articles/canon_lens_date_codes.html#history_of_EF_lenses
...
Check here for more information.
http://www.eflens.com/lens_articles/canon_lens_date_codes.html#history_of_EF_lenses
Excellent!
Jul 28, 2013 10:07:11 #
EoS_User wrote:
Not all Canon lenses have this code printed on the... (show quote)
My 50mm MKII has a serial number of 2670537A and Made in Japan around the front element.
Jul 28, 2013 11:27:33 #
The codes that work with this chart are printed or silk screened on the lens. This indicates my lens was manufactured in December of 1986 at the Utsunamiya, Japan facility.
Code from my EF 50mm f1.8 MkK I
Jul 28, 2013 11:36:27 #
EoS_User wrote:
The codes that work with this chart are printed or silk screened on the lens. This indicates my lens was manufactured in December of 1986 at the Utsunamiya, Japan facility.
No code just a serial number...
Jul 28, 2013 11:51:22 #
RixPix wrote:
I have a Canon 50mm f1.8 II that is made in Japan. I noticed that the newer versions look different. Does anyone know where the new ones are made?
Rix, I don't know much about the Nifty. I'm surprised it's made in Japan. Some of the newer lenses don't have date codes. I didn't know there was a newer version of the mkll. But if there is and anything was changed, it would be called a mklll. Are you sure there is a three?
I doubt it would make any difference what country produces it. SS
Edit: Rix, if there is a lll, it is likely better than the ll. Canan doesn't make changes except to modernize a lens. Such as better coatings, faster focus motors, or electronics better suited to the new cameras etc. Th lens may not be optically better, but work better if you have a new camera like the 70d and the lens could be better for the new video systems.
Jul 28, 2013 12:51:33 #
SharpShooter wrote:
Rix, I don't know much about the Nifty. I'm surpri... (show quote)
Well, since I opened this post I found that the 50mm f1.8 MKII is now made in Malaysia not in Japan. Here's a photo of the front.
Jul 28, 2013 13:49:30 #
RixPix wrote:
Well, since I opened this post I found that the 50mm f1.8 MKII is now made in Malaysia not in Japan. Here's a photo of the front.
Really? Even though the front of the lens says "Made in Japan?"
Jul 28, 2013 13:59:26 #
jeep_daddy wrote:
Really? Even though the front of the lens says "Made in Japan?"
Not sure why it is important where it was built the important thing is it is supposed to be a fabulous lens. bought one 3 months ago as a present for someone, never got around to giving it to her and it sits on my desk in its box looking lonely. It was rated as one of the top non zoom lenses and at $110 one of the best prime lenses ever made by Canon!
Jul 28, 2013 14:12:24 #
jeep_daddy wrote:
Really? Even though the front of the lens says "Made in Japan?"
Sorry for the confusion. The lens in the photo is mine. I've had it for a few years. If you bought one today it would be made in Malaysia.
Jul 28, 2013 15:28:37 #
RixPix, I have a nifty fifty 1.8 for my T3. The 50mm was given to me by a friend. My lens has the metal backing on it which from what I understand is much more desirable than the plastic backing. It was made in Japan
Jul 28, 2013 22:12:14 #
RixPix wrote:
Well, since I opened this post I found that the 50mm f1.8 MKII is now made in Malaysia not in Japan. Here's a photo of the front.
I just purchased the 40mm pancake (canon) lens, and it also is made in Malaysia
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