topic What does the "S" mean in reference to lenses? EF-S vs EF lens? in EF & RF Lenses

What does the "S" mean in reference to lenses? EF-S vs EF lens?

kiowajim — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:18:35 GMT

I have both a digital camera, the 60D, and recently acquired an EOS 1N 35mm film camera. I have bought lenses for my 60D but not the 1N film camera....was told that my 18-55mm lens for my 60D would not be interchangeable with the 1N? So, EF-S vs EF lens, what is the S and what does it indicate? What does the "S" mean in reference to lenses? EF-S vs EF lens?

Thanks.....I am just getting started in photography and do not know all the different terms....

James

Re: What does the "S" mean in reference to lenses? EF-S vs EF lens?

cicopo — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 14:28:41 GMT

In the simlpest of terms think of the S as standing for SMALL sensor. The sensor in crop bodies is much smaller in physical size than the area your film camera needs covering with when the shutter opens. An EF S lens won't allow light to cover the full area in the film or FF body. This allows smaller & cheaper lenses but at the expense of limiting their use.

see

https://forums.usa.canon.com/t5/Lenses/Using-a-lens-designed-for-crop-bodies-on-full-frame-SAMPLES/td-p/6667

Re: What does the "S" mean in reference to lenses? EF-S vs EF lens?

diverhank — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:33:33 GMT

In practical terms...the EF-S lens won't fit the full frame cameras (1D, 5D, 6D series). For your 60D, either EF-S or EF lenses will work with it. Regarding your EOS 1N, it uses EF mount ...you can't mount the EF-S lenses on it.