What's a "fixed" 2.8 lens mean? (Page 4): If it is a 100mm lens the focal length doesn't change.

radiojohn

roger wrote:

Fixed means that the aperture doesn't very with the focal length.

If it is a 100mm lens the focal length doesn't change.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

It is probably just a typo by Canon's web sales person. Proofreading is a lost art today.

radiojohn

User ID wrote:

It a bogus term. It has no fixed meaning.

Ive often seen "fixed FL". That seems obvious, and legit, meaning "prime lens".

With so few people using non-zoom lenses, some might think "prime" indicates best quality!

"Fixed" is short for "fixed focal length," which if used along with the 100mm, should accurately describe the lens.

Of course, if you have never used anything but zooms and grew up with them, the whole concept is new.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

lamiaceae wrote:

It is a poorly written sales listing. Seems to have a few errors and ambiguities and possibly unintentional non-sense. But it seems like an interesting and nice lens at what seems to me like a good price. You should buy it if it will serve your needs.

This is copied from Canon Europe literature.

"The choice between fixed- and variable-aperture lenses ultimately depends on your shooting needs and style. If consistent exposure and depth of field across a zoom range are paramount, then a fixed-aperture lens would be your best bet. But if portability and budget are key considerations, then a variable-aperture lens could serve you well."

Seems pretty clear and straight-forward.

dbrugger25 Loc: Raleigh, NC

foathog wrote:

Canon has a refurb RF 100MM fixed 2.8 macro lens for sale. What do they mean my fixed? Maybe I'm not up on new terminology. It wouldn't be the first time

Harry

I think it means that it is not a zoom lens. The focal length is fixed at 100 mm.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Normally a "fixed" lens means it's not a zoom lens.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I am not a Canon guy, but I believe this lens is one of the better, and often sought Canon macro lenses and it is reportedly tack sharp.

tdozier3 Loc: Northern Illinois

foathog wrote:

Canon has a refurb RF 100MM fixed 2.8 macro lens for sale. What do they mean my fixed? Maybe I'm not up on new terminology. It wouldn't be the first time

Harry

My guess would be that it is a 100mm prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

davidrb wrote:

This is copied from Canon Europe literature.

"The choice between fixed- and variable-aperture lenses ultimately depends on your shooting needs and style. If consistent exposure and depth of field across a zoom range are paramount, then a fixed-aperture lens would be your best bet. But if portability and budget are key considerations, then a variable-aperture lens could serve you well."

Seems pretty clear and straight-forward.

No, it is not clear cut, read the OP's post again "Canon has a refurb RF 100MM fixed 2.8 macro lens for sale. What do they mean my fixed?" It a Macro Lens, a prime lens, one focal length, not a zoom. The picture on the page with the lens show a 100mm lens! Some how some UHH'ers started talking about different types of Zoom lenses (that most of us know about).

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

tshift wrote:

NO fixed does not mean that. It stays at that F stop until you change it if you want to. Nothing is wrong with the lens. Thanks BE SAFE!!

Tom

You did not read what I was responding to. My response was aimed at somebody who suggested that a lens that was fixed (i.e. repaired) and one that was refurbished was the same thing. My response was not to the OP. I'm very well aware that fixed did not mean repaired with regard to the OP's query.

srt101fan

Doesn't anybody read anymore?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The day-2 contributors are really bringing it today.

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

srt101fan wrote:

Doesn't anybody read anymore?

Yea I just read yours!!

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

mwsilvers wrote:

You did not read what I was responding to. My response was aimed at somebody who suggested that a lens that was fixed (i.e. repaired) and one that was refurbished was the same thing. My response was not to the OP. I'm very well aware that fixed did not mean repaired with regard to the OP's query.

I had to go back and read it twice. Got it!! Thanks BE SAFE!!

Tom

R.G. Loc: Scotland

burkphoto wrote:

.....Fixed aperture prime macro lenses maintain a constant aperture throughout their focal range.

Is that to say there are lenses whose maximum aperture varies as the distance to the focus point varies?