CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Just read the post about EF for full frame and EFS is for cameras like the Rebel T5 I own. I understand the difference between the camera bodies but do not understand why the EFS will not work on a full frame body. Can someone explain what happens when you do use an EFS on a full Frame body?

Thanks, Lead Foot

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

CLF, A dpreview.com search found this. Gary
Many EF-S lenses physically don't fit full frame cameras because the EF-S lenses stick out further behind the lens mount. APS-C mirrors are smaller than FF mirrors, and can accommodate the additional glass poking into the camera body. FF mirrors simply won't clear the protruding rear element of EF-S lenses. There are some EF-S lens designs which don't protrude into the camera.

EF-S lenses are also designed to cover a smaller image circle than are EF lenses. EF-S lens projected onto full frame gives a vignetted image. But do not try this at home (see above).

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5 - 5.6 is a great walkaround lens, quite sharp, great IS, covers landscapes to portrait focal lengths. You have the 50mm f/1.8 for speed and reduced depth of field, so you would have an excellent pair of lenses covering ultra wide angle to medium telephoto. Canon non-kit lenses, even the better non-L lenses, keep their value, so if you should later decide to go to full frame, you can sell the 15-85 easily. The full frame approximate equivalent is the 24-105mm f/4L IS, which on an APS-C camera would give you mild wide angle to medium telephoto. I personally find the 15-85mm ultra wide angle capacity VERY handy for indoor shots and for landscapes, the lens is at 15mm for approximately 30% of all shots with it. I shoot with a 60D.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Thank You for the very quick reply. This sites members always amaze me. I now understand and when I get my next body (1-2 years out) I will make sure to keep the EFS lens off. Will mark it even more prominently so I do not make a mistake and break a new camera's mirror.

Lead Foot

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

APS-C cameras have smaller sensors, smaller mirrors, and the EF-S lenses are designed to take advantage of that. They can be smaller, lighter, cheaper and the rear of the lens can protrude further into the body.

On a full frame a lens designed for APS -C would be unlikely to produce an image big enough for the larger sensor and could have mirror contact problems. They are designed so that they cannot be mounted on a full frame body. Attempting to do so woild most likely cause damage.

EF lenses can be uses on all EOS cameras, however the field of view is different between FF and APS-C. An ultra wide 20 mm lens for a FF is the equivalent of 35mm on APS-C.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

No need to mark the lens, they don't fit on a FF if you decide to do that. However, if you buy more lenses you might want to look at EF for anything over 50mm, then you can easily move to FF.

For wide angle EF-S will be needed on your T5.

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

You might want to mark them, they will go on your FF, but they will damage it.

I keep mine COMPLETELY separate :-)

Here's a photo that shows how much farther the ef-s lens sticks into the body.

GT

(Download)

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Hmmm! I could well be wrong, but I keep hearing that EF-S lenses won't mount properly on a FF body unless forced. Is that incorrect? It would be good to know , thanks.

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

No they won't mount, but they will go on, or rather IN enough to break it.
DAMHIK
:-/

They don't have to be forced either, it is just like sticking a pipe in the opening :-(

GT

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

As a follow up here's a fairly detailed article from what is considered to be a reputable source: http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/tutorials/crop_sensor_cameras_and_lenses.html

It clearly states: EF-S series lenses will not physically mount on any full frame EOS camera body.

In which case, marking your lenses would be moot, unless you want to paint them pink with green spots or something just as a personal reminder. It could reduce their resale value, a good EF-S lens can be equivalent or close to "L" quality and hold its value pretty well.

We have one member on the Hog that has modified a EF-S 10-22mm zoom for use on a full frame body, but does have potential mirror contact issues below something like 15mm if I remember correctly. There are quite a lot of subtleties to take into account, and you will discover that while some people on the Hog are very free with their opinions they are not always as fully informed as they could be, including myself.

As my wife sometimes says about certain individuals, "frequently wrong, but seldom in doubt!"

She hasn't said that to me directly, but who knows what she says to other people!

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

Trying to mount them WILL damage the camera.

I find better safe than sorry.

What the article states is pretty close correct, as far as it goes.
He states that it might make contact at certain focal lengths, which doesn't change the back of the lens.

The back of the ef-s lens protrudes farther than the ef lens. As can be seen in the photo.

Once the lens gets close to the lens mount, it is too late. The back of the lens is already in contact with the important bits of the camera.

GT

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

So we are in agreement I believe. Even trying to mount them will damage the camera prior to pressing the shutter button, and using excessive force might work, but is clearly not advisable.

Not trying to challenge you in any way, just trying to make sure we are all delivering consistent advice rather than adding to the confusion.

I have some older Canon lenses modified to use on EOS cameras. One example is a FL 55mm f/1.2. Great lens, and totally fine on APS-C, but can have mirror contact issues on a FF body, and of course with a replacement lens mount there is nothing that stops you putting the lens on a FF body except for knowing that there are issues.

Engage brain before mounting. Seems to be good advice even beyond the realm of photography! :D

Take care! :)

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

OK, so I won't ask you how you know! Are we still talking about Canon EF-S lenses and photography or does this level of experience include other topics as well?

Your comments could apply to many other domains as far as I can tell! :mrgreen: :XD: :hunf:

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

LOL
Engaging the brain?!
You must be one of those personal responsibility people! :-D

Yes, I believe we are in agreement :-)

It's the trying part that confuses people. That is why I said the OP might want to mark or label them some way.
Once you try to mount it and find out you grabbed the wrong lens, it is too late. :-/

I was going to put a bit of red gaffers tape on mine as reassurance, but I got lazy and just hid it :-D actually I just put them in a case with lenses just for the 50d :-D

GT

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

I promise to never try mounting the lens. The difference in the two lens' that camera with my T5 are very obvious.

I again thank everyone for your knowledge and help. CLF