Lens questions


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entered2exit

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Dec 20, 2008
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Hi all professionals out there, as you guys can see, i'm a real beginner here. i currently own a canon 40d + 18-55mm kit lens, and i have a few questions about lenses in general.

I realized there are so many different kinda lenses out there for different purposes, and what does the USM stands for? and there is also IS USM etc etc. what do they actually mean? the price difference with regards to lenses without those acronyms is huge, i realized.

In addition, what is L lenses, and what's the reason for their hefty price tag?

Thanks in advance.
 

No worries entered2exit, I'm also a beginner, albiet an older one. ;)

USM stands for UltraSonic Motor, and is a technology invented by Canon. USM lens has an ultrasonic motor built in, and the lens is focused with electronic commands from the camera body instead of relying on the mechanical focusing screw. USM lenses are much faster and silent.

See here for Canon's explanation:
http://www.canon.com/technology/canon_tech/explanation/usm.html

IS means Image Stabilization. See here for Canon's explanation:
http://www.canon.co.jp/imaging/lens/technology/index.html
 

Oh forgot about your question on L lens. They are Canon's top of the line pro lenses, which employs optical technologies like: ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass, fluorite coatings, and aspherical elements, etc to enhance the optical quality. See here for Canon's explanation as well: :)

http://www.canon.ca/digitalphotography/english/ctech_article.asp?id=180&tid=6
 

once you get ur first L, you nvr stop.... :devil:
 

In addition, what is L lenses, and what's the reason for their hefty price tag?

Thanks in advance.

when people know that your shot is taken with L lens,

they go WOW.

anyways, ziploc has answered most of your questions pretty well. read his posts. :)
 

No worries entered2exit, I'm also a beginner, albiet an older one. ;)

USM stands for UltraSonic Motor, and is a technology invented by Canon. USM lens has an ultrasonic motor built in, and the lens is focused with electronic commands from the camera body instead of relying on the mechanical focusing screw. USM lenses are much faster and silent.

See here for Canon's explanation:
http://www.canon.com/technology/canon_tech/explanation/usm.html

IS means Image Stabilization. See here for Canon's explanation:
http://www.canon.co.jp/imaging/lens/technology/index.html

Oh forgot about your question on L lens. They are Canon's top of the line pro lenses, which employs optical technologies like: ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass, fluorite coatings, and aspherical elements, etc to enhance the optical quality. See here for Canon's explanation as well: :)

http://www.canon.ca/digitalphotography/english/ctech_article.asp?id=180&tid=6


Thanks for the info, Ziploc, that was helpful! right now, it's more shooting, more reading and more practicing!
 

once you get ur first L, you nvr stop.... :devil:

L lens repair bill also very high... lol... mine got problem.. but never repair it... too ex to repair, too ex to replace... think normal lens will go as good...
 

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