Canon Ef S Lenses On Full Frame Camera
Canon EF-S lenses are specifically designed for Canon cameras with APS-C sized sensors, such as the popular Canon EOS Rebel series. They are not compatible with full-frame cameras as the image circle they produce is not large enough to cover the full-frame sensor. However, some photographers have found ways to use EF-S lenses on full-frame cameras, despite the potential drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and limitations of using Canon EF-S lenses on full-frame cameras.
What happens when you use EF-S lens on a full-frame camera?
When an EF-S lens is used on a full-frame camera, the camera’s sensor will capture only the central portion of the image projected by the lens. This results in a crop factor of approximately 1.6x, meaning that the effective focal length of the lens is increased by a factor of 1.6. For example, a 50mm EF-S lens on a full-frame camera will have an effective focal length of 80mm.
While this may seem like a potential advantage for telephoto photography, the smaller image circle produced by the EF-S lens can also cause vignetting or darkening around the edges of the image, and can result in reduced image quality or sharpness at the edges of the frame.
Can you damage your camera or lens by using EF-S lenses on full-frame cameras?
While using an EF-S lens on a full-frame camera is not recommended, it is unlikely to cause any damage to either the lens or the camera itself. However, there are a few potential issues to be aware of:
- Vignetting: As mentioned earlier, the smaller image circle produced by the EF-S lens may cause vignetting (darkening around the edges of the image)
- Reduced image quality: The image quality or sharpness may be reduced at the edges of the frame
- Physical damage to the lens: EF-S lenses may be physically incompatible with full-frame cameras and could potentially cause damage to the camera’s mirror or other internal components
- Incorrect metering or autofocus: EF-S lenses may not communicate effectively with full-frame camera bodies, resulting in incorrect metering or autofocus
What are the potential benefits of using EF-S lenses on full-frame cameras?
While there are some potential drawbacks to using EF-S lenses on full-frame cameras, there are also a few potential benefits:
- Increased effective focal length: As mentioned earlier, using an EF-S lens on a full-frame camera results in a crop factor of approximately 1.6x, effectively increasing the focal length of the lens
- Creativity: Photographers may find new creative possibilities by using EF-S lenses on full-frame cameras, such as using a wide-angle EF-S lens to create a circular fisheye effect
- Cheaper alternative: EF-S lenses tend to be less expensive than their full-frame counterparts, so photographers on a budget may find using EF-S lenses on a full-frame camera to be a more affordable option
Which EF-S lenses are most suitable for use on full-frame cameras?
While none of the EF-S lenses are designed to be used on full-frame cameras, there are a few that may work better than others:
- Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM: This wide-angle zoom lens has been reported to produce usable images on full-frame cameras at focal lengths of 14-22mm
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II: This kit lens has a smaller image circle than some other EF-S lenses, which may reduce the risk of vignetting on full-frame cameras
- Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM: This telephoto zoom lens has been reported to produce usable images on full-frame cameras at focal lengths of 135-250mm
Conclusion
Using Canon EF-S lenses on full-frame cameras is not recommended, and could potentially result in vignetting, reduced image quality, or physical damage to the camera or lens. However, there are some potential benefits to using EF-S lenses on full-frame cameras, such as increased effective focal length, new creative possibilities, and affordability. If you do choose to use an EF-S lens on a full-frame camera, be aware of the potential limitations and drawbacks, and do so at your own risk.
