It’s been a while since we’ve seen thin, compact, pancake lenses on DSLRs, only Pentax had compact primes made for the modern era it seems. While the Micro 4/3 format cameras have been getting a good number of pancake lenses ever since they were launched but Canon and Nikon have been slow to offer one.
Canon finally came up with a 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake prime recently and we haven’t been that excited with a ‘normal’ prime for quite a while since that range has always been a stranglehold for the cheap EF 50mm f/1.8 II for so long.
Not that the new EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is as cheap, but not that insane either at $199 retail (check current price and availability).
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Specifications
| Focal Length & Maximum Aperture | 40mm, 1:2.8 |
| Lens Construction | 6 elements in 4 groups |
| Diagonal Angle of View | 57°30′ |
| Focus Adjustment | Inner Focusing System |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 0.98 ft./0.3m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Max. Diameter x Length, Weight | 2.7 x 0.9 inch, 4.6 oz. / 68.2 x 22.8mm, 130g |
The EF 40mm f/2.8 sure has the specs and pricing to make this a very sought-after purchase after the kit lens, even the MTF figures aren’t too shabby.
Video Features
Can’t start any video feature with Kai and his gang over at DigitalRev
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Here’s an unboxing video from “CiscoRodarte”
And finally, an interesting video about the STM focus-by-wire motor (and see how it looks like with a 1D camera)
Reviews and Opinions
Here are three good write-ups about the lens. So far, things are favorable and for the price that Canon’s selling it for, it seems to be a very popular lens for EOS camera owners, not just for the price and image, but as thekonly true portable lens in the EF line-up.
Technology Behind the 40 – http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/06/canon-40mm-pancake-how-did-they-do-that
Hands-On Review – htt0://lenstests.com/reviews/canon-ef-40mm-f2.8-stm
Focus Noise - http://www.petapixel.com/2012/06/25/the-autofocus-noise-of-canons-new-t0mm-pancake-lens/
Nifty Fifty Replacement?
I’m personally sold with this lens and 99% sure I’m getting one to replace my 6 year-old nifty fifty that’s wrapped around gaffer tape and all. At $199, it’s not expensive, and finally, I can carry a DSLR again without having a bulky lens protruding and hitting every corner it can find.
Will you buy one when it bec/mes available in your town? What will you pair it with and what will you shoot with the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM? Chime in below!
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About David L. Tong
This lens was so amazing.
Imagine being able to use this on a MFT body like the OM-D. Cropped Tele in an instant! Slim form factor to boot too!