How to read lens names

Introduction: Fans who have just come into contact with SLR cameras will probably be confused by the name of the ring of numbers and letters on the lens, right? Have you ever heard the words in their mouths when veterans discuss photographic equipment? Do you feel confused about each lens name? The lens names of different brands have similarities but also have their own characteristics. This article will teach you how to read lens names. How to read the lens name

If you want to read the lens name, you must first know where to look for the name. Generally, the full name of a lens will be printed on the front of the lens and the side of the front lens group, making it easy to find.

A complete lens name will include the following information: lens interface, focal length, maximum aperture, lens motor type, whether there is anti-shake, whether there are special lenses, other special identifications, etc.

Taking the lens in the picture above as an example, the head of the lens body has the words "CANON ZOOM LENS EF 24-70mm 1:2.8 L USM" printed on it. Among them, "CANON ZOOM LENS" means that this is a Canon zoom lens, and "EF 24-70mm 1:2.8 L USM" is its full name. Below we explain each in detail.

EF means that the interface of this lens adopts Canon EF interface, which is the current universal mount for Canon lenses. Note that the lens interface needs to be consistent with the body before it can be directly installed. For example, all Canon digital SLR cameras also have EF interfaces.

24-70mm, lens focal length. ?mm? is the unit of focal length in millimeters. 24-70 means this is a zoom lens, with the wide-angle end being 24mm and the telephoto end being 70mm. If it is a prime lens, there is only one number here, such as 50mm. Focal length is one of the most important basic parameters of a lens.

1:2.8, the maximum aperture of the lens. Commonly used expressions of aperture are f/2.8 or F2.8. What appears in the lens name is the maximum aperture. Only one number after ?:? indicates that this is a constant aperture lens. If it is a non-constant aperture lens, its maximum aperture will have two numbers, such as 1:3.5-5.6, which means that the maximum aperture will fluctuate between 3.5-5.6 with different focal lengths. Aperture is also one of the most important basic parameters of a lens.

L, the logo of Canon’s top lenses. L stands for Luxury, which stands for top luxury. It means that this lens is Canon's top product and represents the highest level of technology and manufacturing. Lenses with an L will have a red circle on the front of the lens, so it is also called a "red circle head". Different brands will use different logos here.

USM, ultrasonic motor. Stamped with USM, it means that this lens uses an ultrasonic motor, which provides a faster and quieter focusing experience. Different manufacturers label ultrasonic motors differently and need to be identified.

In the name of this lens, we do not see the word "IS" representing the anti-shake function, indicating that this lens does not have anti-shake function.

When we usually refer to a lens, we don’t need to mention the full name, just refer to its focal length/aperture, such as 24-70/2.8. However, for different versions of lenses with the same specification, you need to state their different labels. For example, the 70-200mm f/2.8 has two generations of products, I and II. It must be clearly stated whether it is 70-200/2.8 or 70-200/2.8 II.