Clapperboard

Szalajj Wrote:

"The actual camera mounts of all three lines of the Canon lenses are the same."
They are not.
They are deliberately made different so the EFS lens cannot be mounted on a camera not designed to take them. You are right in that it is because the EFS lens would be too close to the mirror and would damage it when the camera was operated.
The crop frame Canon cameras have BOTH MOUNTINGS designed into the lens mount. The EF line of lenses, that includes the L series fits to a different set of sockets on the crop camera.
Don't write off the EFS lenses out of hand either. The 10/22mm. EFS lens is such good quality that a great number of full frame Canon owners were disappointed it would not fit their cameras.
Just in case it matters, as lt seems to, to you, I have various lenses of all three streams. Happy snapping!

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

I have both EF and EF-S lenses which I use on my Canon T3i. I plan to upgrade soon to the 80D and it will also accept both types of lenses. Your 77D will accept both types as well. The only issue with either would be trying to use the EF on a full frame Canon in which case it will not cause damage but in most cases you would have a dark circle on your images because the sensor would be larger than the lens image circle.

Walt

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The 77D will take ANY Canon AF lens. FYI, Canon made an excellent 100-300 f5.6 L lens back in the 1980's ....it was a push/pull design for zooming.

gonzo.3800

I have an 60mm EF-S macro, reviewed at the time I bought it to be one of the sharpest lens in in Canon's line up[ including L]. Also a great portrait lens. Not every S lens is poor and not every L lens is great. GG

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Now that the lens question has been answered and belabored to the point including insults by a couple of posters, (I'm actually surprised the topic wasn't moved to the 'attic') you are gonna love your 80D when you get it Walt. Since I got mine, my 5D MKII & 7D MKII haven't seen much use. The features, IQ and ease of use are simply outstanding! And yes, all of my EF & EF-S lenses work just fine on this body, as they will on the 77D, including 'L' lenses as well!

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

I believe you’re right. I had the opportunity a couple of weeks ago to handle an 80D and I have to say it felt so much better in my hands and has some improved features that will be interesting to use. I’ve been wanting to upgrade for better low light ability. I would get it now but will wait until I receive some gift cards I have coming from a wellness program at work. With nearly $500 in gift cards plus some other gift money I’ve been saving it will be pretty easy on the wallet. I’ve been using Lightroom 5.7 for several years now but it won’t support the 80D so I’ll have to look at Lr 6 or Lr CC for PP work.

Walt

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa

L is the designation for Low Dispersion. Much better quality glass. More $$$ But optically superior.

Photocraig

MY 77D that I am currently using mounts all EOS EF lenses AND Eos EF-S lenses plus my Sigma 17-70 which has an EF-S compatible mount. The Canon "L" Designation is for premium Optics and build quality lenses. For the EOS series, "L's" are ALL EF Mount lenses.

Expect great results from the 24MP sensor with DIGIC 7 processor and good high ISO performance, too.

I like mine a lot!

clickety

With regards to IQ I believe Canon has two levels of quality L and non-L. I understand that EF-S designates for crop sensor while EF designates for full frame sensor cameras and L series are also full frame lenses. However with the exception of L series I have never seen anything that indicates an EF-S image is inferior to a (non-L) EF lens image. In fact it seems the image quality of some EF-S lens may exceed the image quality of (non-L) EF lens, their limitation is crop sensor only. It could be argued however that there are three levels of build quality.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

AF-S is a Nikon designation. Any lens labelled that way won't fit on any Canon camera, incl. the 77D.

77D is an APS-C "crop sensor" format model.... as such, it can fully use any and all EF and EF-S (which I think is what you meant) lens ever made.

Canon EF lenses are designed for use with full frame cameras, but also can be used on croppers like the 77D.

Canon EF-S lenses are designed specifically for use on croppers like the 77D (EF-S cannot be fitted to or used on full frame cameras such as 6D & 5D-series).

The Canon EF 100-300mm f/5.6 lens is an older model, but will work on 77D.

There have been three versions of Canon EF 100-300mm over the years. In fact it was one of the very first lenses offered for use on EOS cameras. Two version were introduced in 1987: A cheaper standard version as well as a slightly upgraded "L-series" version (with fluorite and ultra low dispersion elements for better image quality). In 1990 a much more compact version was introduced, with variable f/4.5-5.6 aperture and faster/quieter USM "ultrasonic" focus drive. This last version was discontinued in 2008. All of them are a little to a lot out of date now and none of them have image stabilization. I'd be pretty way of either of the first two models, in particular, since they may be 30 years old and sorely in need of no-longer-available parts or service after a lot of use. They also will be slower and noisier focusing.

A more modern lens might serve better in several ways and not be a great deal more expensive... For example, the EF-S 55-250mm IS STM is pretty darned good optically. STM is faster and quieter than the micro motor focus drive used on the first two 100-300mm, but may not be as quick as the USM version. There also have been a couple EF 70-300mm IS USM models. Any of these has image stabilization, too.... which can be VERY helpful on telephotos such as these. There also are the L-series EF 70-300mm iS USM and EF 100-400mm IS USM... fine lenses but a lot bigger, heavier and more expensive. (Note: Avoid the EF 75-300mm III which is cheap but doesn't have IS stabilization, uses slow/noisy micro motor focus drive and doesn't have particularly good image quality.)

There are also third party lenses from Sigma, Tamron and Tokina that you might consider.... 70-300mm, 100-300mm and similar. They don't designate their "crop" and "full frame" format designs the same way as Canon. But with a 77D it doesn't matter, since it can use both types. You just need a version designed for use on Canon EF/EOS mount camers. HOWEVER, older Sigma and Tamron may not be electronically compatible with newer Canon cameras. That's another issue with third party lenses. So only consider a used one if you have right of return and can get a refund, if it doesn't work properly on the newer camera. (Note: Sigma full frame are designated "DG" and their crop sensor lenses "DC". Tamron's FF are called "Di" and their crop are "Di II". Tokina calls them "FX" and "DX", respectively. Not that any of this matters, since all can be fitted to your camera.)

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Cathy ... first off, congratulations on your decision to purchase Canon's very latest APS-C (crop-sensor) DSLR!!!!

Now, then ... as Alan Myers has already pointed out - you have a slight variance of terms, there.

AF-S is indeed - a Nikon designation - it stands for Auto Focus - Silent Wave ... this means it has AF, obviously, and uses Silent-Wave tech in its AF motor.

EF-S - on the other hand - stands (I believe) for Electronic Focus - Standard - but, I could be wrong on the last part. It's purely - a Canon designation.

EF-S lenses (as opposed to EF lenses) are designed for use on Crop-Sensor models, like the very latest Canon EOS 77D.

You can also use EF lenses on it - whether you choose to go with the "L" lenses, or the non-L lenses.

You can also use third party lenses from companies such as Tamron, Sigma and Tokina - who all make lenses to fit Canon EOS mounts.

One particularly fine Tamron lens is the Tamron SP 70-300 VC USD ... known to be one of the sharpest lenses around, in the 70-300 category.

Another fine Tamron lens is the SP 60mm f2 Macro - which fits three bills - a) Macro b) fast aperture c) a more or less "normal" prime ....

If you also would like to add a wide-angle lens - you can't go far wrong with the Sigma EX 10-20 USM ... between these 3 - you should have most bases covered!

The suggestion someone made about the Canon EF-S 55-250 STM - is also a fine one, particularly, as it can be purchased for less than 200 bucks!

That EOS 77D should work fine with ALL of the lenses I've just mentioned, and should give you spectacular results with ALL of them ....

Happy Shooting ... and have fun with that wonderful new DSLR you just got ... it's a fantastic camera ... even has stabilized video - did you know?



A few further thoughts, Cathy ... first off - let me make three further lens suggestions - ALL Canons ....

First - the EF-S 18-135 IS USM ($599) is one of the finest lenses you can buy - for ANY DSLR - period!

Second - the EF-S 15-85 IS USM ($799) is one particularly fine lens, also ... and has NO competition - from any other manufacturer!

Third - the EF-S 10-18 IS STM ($299) is another fine Canon lens - at an extraordinarily realistic price, too ....

Now then - if you look at those three choices above, hard - you will notice the LACK of any EF or L designation. Does this tell you something?

All these letter designations do mean something, but to the beginner - they just seem confusing as all get-out, don't they?

Just remember this, Cathy ... if an all-purpose zoom lens has its start in the teens ... then it's designed for a crop-sensor (APS-C) camera ...

If a lens starts at 24 or 28 or higher - 70 and above - then chances are it's designed for Full Frame (not cropped sensor) cameras ....

What this means - to you - is this - any lens from any manufacturer 70mm and above - is equivalent to an EF lens on a Canon body.

This means it can be used on a crop-sensor camera (such as the EOS 77D) OR a full frame camera - 5D, 6D, 1Dx etc.

L lenses cost a minimum of a grand ... some feel they're worth every penny ... others make do with lesser-priced glass.

The three additional lenses I've just named - all Canons - are particularly fine examples of quality glass, without the L designation.

Although third party lens manufacturers also have similar designations - none of it matters to you - if you follow the guidelines I've just outlined ....

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

This is utterly incorrect. EF-S and EF are NOT indicators of quality. There are low-quality/entry level, mid-grade quality and high quality/premium lenses in both EF and EF-S lines.

And L-series, while generally premium grade, are not always weather sealed, nor are they necessarily the "best". Some EF and EF-S lenses rival similar L-series in a lot ways.

For example, the EF-S 17-55mm IS USM costs $800, has superb image quality and specifications equal to or better than many L-series EF lenses. It has better image quality and is one stop faster than the EF 17-40mm f/4L. But the EF-S lens also has IS, which the $50 cheaper 17-40L lacks, as well as a wider range of focal lengths. In fact, the IQ of the EF-S 17-55mm also is better than discontinued EF 17-35mm f/2.8L, EF 16-35mm f/2.8L and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II. The only full frame lenses with as good image quality are the current EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III (which costs $2000 and doesn't have IS or as wide range of focal lengths) and the current EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM (which does have IS, but costs $1000, is a stop slower and doesn't enjoy as wide range of focal lengths). The L-series lenses may be a bit better sealed for weather resistance and have a more durable build, but otherwise someone with an APS-C camera such as Galaxycat's 77D would be better served buying the smaller, lighter, and usually less expensive EF-S 17-55mm IS USM lens.

Other excellent EF-S "crop only" lenses with at least mid-grade build quality include:
- EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM USM, about $600 (compare to the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM that costs $2700)
- EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, $800 (roughly equal to a 24-135mm lens on full frame.... EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM II costs $1100, doesn't have as good image)
- EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6... two versions: STM and "Nano" USM that sell for about $500 and $600 respectively.
- EF-S 55-250mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM, about $300 (plastic bayonet mount?).

There certainly are more "budget-oriented" lenses in the EF-S line, too...
- EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM... under $300, a but plasticky, but light weight and compact. Plus it has IS.
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS... two version: micro motor $200 and STM $250.
- EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS micro motor version, slightly lower IQ and slower/noisier focus, about $400.
- EF-S 55-250mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II micro motor version, about $150.

But you also can find budget/entry-level lenses among the EF series...
- EF 75-300mm III for $200 or less has no IS, slower/noisier micro motor focus drive and some image quality issues.
- EF 40mm f/2.8 STM "pancake" for $150, pretty good IQ, ultra compact.
- EF 50mm f/1.8 STM for about $125 actually has quite good image quality for the money.

By definition, all L-series (premium quality "Luxury") are full frame capable EF lenses. But there is variation among those, too... and some non-L are their equal in certain respects. For example...
- EF 100mm f/2.8 USM (non-L, no IS) has build and image quality equal to L-series.
- TS-E 45mm and 90mm lenses both have better image quality and are exact same build as the original TS-E 24mm f/3.5L (recently revised TS-E model lineup incl 17mm, 24mm II, 50mm, 90mm and 135mm are now all L-series).

And for many people, L-series may not be the best choice. For example...
- EF 50mm f/1.4 USM and EF 85mm f/1.8 USM both sell for about $350 and are much more compact and lighter weight than the far more expensive EF 50mm f/1.2L USM and EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM and EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM. The "lesser" lenses also are faster focusing than the f/1.2L models.
- EF 35mm f/2 IS USM and EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM both have top image quality and image stabilization, are a lot less expensive, smaller and lighter than EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM and EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM.

Galaxycat, you might want to track down a copy of Canon "Lens Work III - Eyes of EOS".... a hard bound book Canon puts out periodically which has lots of detailed info about EF and EF-S lenses of all types (https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/ef-lens-work-iii-version-11-the-eyes-of-eos but you might find it cheaper elsewhere). It's also possible to download "Lens Work" in PDF format for free from the Canon Europe website (https://www.canon-europe.com/support/documents/digital_slr_educational_tools/en/ef_lens_work_iii_en.aspx). The only problem is that "Lens Work" only shows lenses currently in production and both printed and PDF versions are more recent editions... so older, discontinued lenses such as the 100-300mm you asked about will not be included. I wish Canon would put out a book that shows all EOS/EF mount lenses ever made.... But at least there is some reference online at the Canon Museum (http://global.canon/en/c-museum/index.html).

leftj Loc: Texas

Be careful. Szlajj does not like to be told he is incorrect. He’ll probably challenge you to a photo contest.