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Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens
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Canon’s New EF 40mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens Doesn’t Waffle on Quality
Canon’s newly announced EF 40mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens has a focal length that places it squarely in that bland category known as “Normal.” Even used with an APS-C size sensor, it lands on the outskirts of “Normal,” with a view equivalent to 64mm in full-frame format. Several highly prized features help the EF 40mm lens rise above the crowd, however. Most importantly for video shooters; STM technology is a camera-body based attribute that, when paired with an STM designated lens, offers smooth and silent continuous autofocus while capturing video.
Normal lenses are approximately 50mm in focal length. The normal lens is, for many, their default lens—a versatile, everyday tool that’s the jack of all trades. It’s the lens to pack when you‘re only carrying one. Step back and you can use it for “wide-angle” photo situations. Step up, and it can fill in as a portrait lens. It doesn’t provide a creative “crutch” in the form of natural distortion and drama, the way that an extreme wide-angle or telephoto lens does. It’s a lens that will show you how good a photographer you really are. It’s an extremely important lens for any photographer to own.
The EF 40mm lens is a pancake lens—it’s less than 1 inch long, and weighs only 4.6 oz. This is not a lens that draws unnecessary attention to itself—or to you. A bright f/2.8 maximum aperture makes it possible to shoot under pretty much any lighting conditions, and the lens coatings have been optimized to seriously reduce ghosting and flare, while maintaining exceptional color balance. Six elements, including one aspherical element, produce consistently high image quality from the center of the frame to the edge. With seven diaphragm blades, the wide f/2.8 aperture, and the ability to focus as close as 11.8 inches, this is a crackerjack lens that also offers superlative bokeh—the out-of-focus background area in an image.
| Focal Length | 40mm |
| Comparable Focal Length in APS-C Format | 64mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility | 35mm Film/Full-Frame Digital Sensor; APS-C size sensor |
| Angle of View | 57.3 degrees |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.81" (30 cm) |
| Groups/Elements | 4 groups/6 elements |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Front Filter Thread | 52mm |
| Dimensions | 2.7 x 0.9" (6.86 x 2.29 cm) |
| Weight | 4.6 oz (130 g) |
Comments
Hi,
I am using a Canon 60Da for Astrophotography but thanks to its rather small size I'd like to use it for normal landscape photography with a Canon 40mm "pancake" lens I purchased recently.
My questions are the following ones:
1) Has anyone tried to use that combination without adding a 486 B+W (52mm) filter correcting the IR band in Landscape Photography? Were the results OK or is the use of a blocking IR filter ABSOLUTELY necessary when one uses the 60Da outside of astrophotography?
2) Is indeed the B+W IR filter (486) the correct one to use to use the 60Da in normal photography?
Thanks for your comments!
Mark-Eran
Hello,
According to Canon "shooting normal subjects with this camera is not recommended". Maybe a reader with experience can post their advise, unfortunately we have not had the chance to use this or any of the "A" models.
hello!does anyone have canon 650d with 40mm f2.8 lens?
I have had the pancake on my 650d for a couple of months now an I love it. Besides the obvious size and weight advantage, it's is a nice sharp lens. Great for images, but still makes a little bit of noise in the videos. i use the nifty fifty as well.. which seems to produce a better bokeh. but pancake I feel is sharper. And it only 150 bucks now.
Hi I'm new to the scene. Bought a 600d months back, got the basic 18-55m and bought the 55-250mm for the zoom. Looking to get another one with a lower f stop. What would u recommend, the nifty 50 or the pancake. The difference in price is that the 50 is half the price as the 40 in the uk.
Thanks
Hello,
Pancake lenses are very sharp and this thin in design. They are perfect for a small camera set up for example when traveling. If you plan on moving up to newer Canon cameras anytime soon, the 40 is an STM lens and will be able to focus during video capture should that be in your future plans. The 50 f/1.8 is slightly faster and easier to hold in my opinion, I'm just used to cradling my cameras lens. Either will give you excellent results.
I just received my 40mm pancake lens. I've mounted it on my 5D Mark II. I've figured out the manual focus which works well enough but is certainly not silent when played back. I see where an accessory shoe mounted mic would help. But I am thus far unable to achieve auto-focusing with this lens. I can get it to auto focus by pushing the AF-ON button while filming but then it changes the exposure while searching for correct focus on the subject. Then, having found the subject, it returns to proper exposure. This certainly informs your audience that you are playing with the camera while taking the video - a bit of a distraction. What am I not doing right? What setup (menu?) am I not following correctly? Any help would be appreciated.
Hey you have a great camera and awesome lens!
Try taking your autofocus points off auto...and adjust it to only use one centre point only.
With a low aperature of 2.8 the lens is probably jumping all over the place when filming. Keep in mind now that your centre point in the lens will be trying to focus only and this should give you better results in auto mode focus.
The EF 40mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens has a STM or "Stepping Motor" that is designed specifically to be used during video and is very quiet. Therefore I am not sure why the motor is making noises that can be heard on the audio track of your camera. A mounted mic should certainly take care of any issues.
As to continuous AF during video, the only Canon camera that will do this is the T4i. The 5D Mark II can only AF during video as you described.
Currently, the work around that is very common and preferred by professionals is a manual follow focus such as these.
Redrock Micro DSLR Field Cinema Deluxe Bundle Blue or the iDC System Zero.
Thanks Hershel. I should have called you before placing the order:-) The article in a very popular photo magazine lauded the advantages of this lens and yes, mentioned, "Mated with the new Movie Servo AF mode in newer bodies such as the EOS Rebel T4i...this lens delivers smoother, faster, and quieter AF." I guess I did not interpret that to mean "only on the T4i..." thereby considering my 5D MarkII to not be a newer body. "New" is a relative term - especially to someone who has been taking pictures since Kodachrome had an ASA of 10. That would have been a helpful comment to have been included in the article. I will simply have to get used to the small focusing ring on the front of the camera which is much quicker and quieter than performing the same operation with my 50mm 1.8 which, when played back, sounds like someone snoring. Now to the additional problems of hearing the movement of the front of the lens while manually focussing (sounds like pulling a cotton rope through a hole in a sheet of metal) and the greater issue of the exposure changing (lightening considerably) while pressing the AF-ON button to attain auto focussing. I can see where mounting an external mic should (hopefully) get rid of the first problem but what about the exposure change while pressing the AF-ON button? And finally, which mic would you recommend be used on my 5D Mark ll?
Thanks!
Don't feel bad actually because even with the T4i, this lens is really noisy. I don't understand how they can advertise that it's quiet, because it is clearly not.
Also I find that this lens has a lot of trouble focusing.
hi every one! for right now i am using a t3i and am getting into alot of portrait photography where as i use to just do nature and had this as a hobby i am starting just my business. I am highly considering this lens and just want some opinions and possibly other suggestions as to what lens would be best.
Hi Did you ever use the 40mm pancake with the T3I? How did it work?
I have a Carl Zeiss 45mm f2.8 pancake lens in a Contax mount that is basically always on either my Contax film body or my Canon rebel with an adapter. If it is anything like my Zeiss they are the best travel lenses around. I spend a lot of my shooting time walking around cities and am always happy to have my 45mm around. I would say the only drawback in the aperture - I shoot with a Zeiss 50mm 1.4 a lot of the time, and would say to anyone wanting to use there camera either indoors or at night to get themselves the Canon 50mm f1.8 for $100 it is worth far more than its price.
happy shooting!
Hey guys
Im not sure if this has been asked, but I am really thinking of buying this lens for my canon 60d, Im trying to buy an affordable lens to take good portraits with, my main question is : what are some good lens to use considering the 60d is crop censored?
Hi. I use 85mm f1:1.8 on my 30D. You could even buy its sister 100 mm f1:2 even. I used the 50mm f1:1.4 before, but I decided to sell it as it is too short for full body portraits and too long for faces.
I think the best would be to have two lenses. 85-100 mm for face portraits and another wider for full bodies.
The mentioned 50mm f1:1.8 is cheap, but its bokeh is weak. You will se a five-angled circles rather than circular. So, ok ok but if you have a 60D, you should have to have its quality.
I love fix lenses.
You should check out the 50mm 1.8 lens. It is cheap and a good lens for the price.
So that I do not have to deal with crop factors, I find it easier to know the size of the sensor and then what mm is a “normal” perspective lens for that size sensor. Then I can extrapolate what is wide and what is tele for that sensor. For a 60D and its APS-C sensor, 35mm makes for a good “normal”.
As for portraits, a moderate tele lens is good. Thus 50mm to 85mm is the favorite range for portraits with a camera like the 60D. The EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens would be the affordable choice. The EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Autofocus Lens would be the price-is-no-object ideal.
Try the CANON 85MM 1.8 USM; THIS HAS PROVED BETTER THAN THE 60mm 2.8, 17-55mm 2.8 and 50 mm 1.8 II
Your paragraph about a normal lens is a bit too definitive - there's ample room for debate.
I think a mathematical normal on a full frame is about 43mm. 50mm is mostly about ease of manufacture and reflects neither what the eye sees nor any magic formula. So I agree that to wring something viable out of it takes some effort but what's the point?
I use a 35mm (FF) which is neutral to the viewer and more accurately reflects what the eyes sees; either that or my eye has adapted to 35mm. But I don't think so.
There's room to disagree here and I just wanted to put that out for readers to think about. Because 40mm is an odd focal length but might be more interesting in this context.
First issue:
Since the front element of the lens moves in and out during focusing,
shouldn't it retract when the camera is turned off? It can be retracted manually ( by turning off the auto focus ) and turning the focus ring until the front element disappears. Not very well protected.
Second issue:
After the first day of use I turn on the camera at the end of the day and the autofocus does not work. I put it in manual, no focus possible. Camera power down does not do it either. Only the unmounting of the lens gets it back to work. I have never experienced this before with any other Canon lens.
I have the exact same issues with the lens I received
What size UV filter does it use?
Hello,
The 40mm lens accepts 52mm filters.
Hello,
With regards to your first issue, unlike many USM lenses, the 40mm is USM only meaning there are no focus gears that can focus the lens. When you manually turn the focus ring, you are in affect giving instructions to the USM motor. When the body power is turned off, no more instructions are given to the lens so the lens remains in it's last position.
My thinking is the lens barrel is too small to contain both USM and manual gearing for focusing. The two would have added size, weight and cost to a very sharp affordable lens IMO.
Your second comment sounds more like a service issue as I did not experience this here with the sample I had access to.
So, for my older 300D the nifty-fifty would be a better option?
Both the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens and the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens would work on the Canon Digital Rebel 300D. The 50mm lens would simply be slightly noisier when autofocusing, and the 40mm would be much smaller physically on the camera. As the 300D is a much more bulkier camera compared to current Canon Digital Rebel DSLR cameras, the 50mm may feel better in your hand when holding the setup, but both lenses are compatible with the camera.
Also the 50 goes down to 1.8 so lower light and more creative 'effects' are possible. It's up to you, looks and quiet af, or low light performance and extremely blown out backgrounds. :)
The new firmware update for 5D markIII re 40mm f2.8 STM compatibility, will the update enable 5D3 to continuous autofocus during video recording using the 40mm f2.8STM?
As indicated on Canon's website, the Firmware Version 1.1.3 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:
1. Supports the single focal length EF40mm f/2.8 STM lens that is to be released at the end of June, 2012.
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which an image may become underexposed when using the Auto Lighting Optimizer for continuous Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) shooting.
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which the backlight of the LCD monitor may not turn off depending on the camera settings and timing.
4. Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera's power may not turn on when a super-telephoto lens *1) is mounted to the camera with an extender *2).
*1) EF 300mm F2.8L IS II USM / EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM
*2) Extender EF 1.4X III / Extender EF 2X III
5. Corrects mistakes in the Dutch, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, and Swedish menu screens.
It does not add movie autofocusing capabilities to the Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR camera. Canon has currently not announced any future intentions on adding Movie Servo AF to the Canon EOS 5D Mark III.
So, on a Canon T4i in movie mode the ONLY way to auto focus is with a STM lens (currently only the 40mm pancake)? You can't use any other Canon EF lenses in movie mode with auto focus?
Thanks.
No; that is incorrect. ANY Canon EF-mount or EF-S mount autofocus lens will autofocus on the Canon EOS Digital Rebel T4i DSLR camera during video capture. However, STM lenses will focus smoother and more silently compared to standard lenses that do not have the new STM stepping motor built inside the lens.
Hello, do we have an availability date? thanks!
We are shipping the lenses now as they arrive from Canon to those who have ordered them. Howver, since the demand outstrips the supply, I suspect it will be awhile before they are on our shelves.
Does this lens zoom?
To zoom in, step forward, to zoom out, step backward.
lolz
No. This is a prime lens, and does not zoom.
I need to know if this lense is a Wide Angle lense line the 28mm or not , even if not the same as wide as the 35mm lense but at least .. is it a Wide angle Lense ??
Hello,
The angle of view would be determined by what camera/sensor you were using. On a full frame camera, the lens would be considered a normal lens. On an APS-C sensor, the lens is considered slightly telephoto. It is not a wide angle lens in either format.
Would this work on a T2i body?
Hello,
Yes, the 40mm lens will work on a T2i body as any other EF lens say for example the 50mm f/1.8.
I read the entire post and I know that I'm missing something. Will the pancake lens autofocus on the t2i? If yes...do I need to set something in the camera to take advantage of this? It doesn't seem to work for me.
Secondly will it work on the 1dx? Thank you in advance for your help. Love B&H
The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens would be compatible with all Canon EOS cameras, which would include both the Canon EOS T2i and the Canon EOS 1D X DSLR cameras. The lens has an AF/MF switch, which must be in the AF position to autofocus. If you own the lens and you are experiencing an issue with your lens, then I would recommend trying the lens on another Canon DSLR camera. If the lens is still not autofocusing, then I would either return the lens for an exchange or contact Canon at 1-800-652-2666 for assistance under their included 1-Year Limited Warranty.
How will it go on a D50 will you get all the benefits?
Hello,
It will work on a 50D like any other EF lens. STM technology is a camera-body based attribute that, when paired with an STM designated lens, offers smooth and silent continuous autofocus while capturing video will not be available to you. Only the T4i will currently have this ability.
I know that I'm gonna sound like a dinosaur here, but, back in the day one of my favourite walk around cameras was (and still is) the good old Olympus Trip 35. It came equipped with a very nice 40mm f2.8 lens. I'm looking forward to having this one to try out on my Canon T3i. I've always found that the 40mm focal length is very comfortable for composing a good shot. I can see this as being a very useable lens to have.
You must not forget to take into consideration that Olympus Trip 35 camera had a 35mm sensor(film) and your T3i has an aps-c. The crop factor is 1.6, making your 40mm lens a 64mm (40mm x 1.6 =64mm). So your "real" focal length will be more zoomed than previously expected.
How will it work with an extension tube set up?
Hello,
By moving a lenses optical center away from the focal plane (sensor area) you increase the magnification or macro capabilities. So in theory, if you added 80mm's of extension (double the focal length) to the 40mm lens, you would get 1:1. When used with extension tubes that support TTL, mettering will be possible. Fine focusing is usually done by moving the camera/tube/lens combination on a focusing rail but AF operation should be possible as well.
Having just purchased a Canon 10-22 USM, is this 40 mm STM compatible with a Canon 7D and Canon XTi, or do the cameras need software updates?
Hello,
STM focusing lens will be compatible with previous or non STM bodies. Camera models like the 7D and Canon XTi that do not have the new 'Hybrid CMOS' sensor and therfore do not have pixels dedicated to phase detection autofocus will use Canon's legacy Arc Form Drive (AFD) the original Canon EOS motor. At this time, we do not know if firmware updates will be required.
To Make this easy for everyone if you have a DSLR that is NOT a 5 D or higher you hace a cropped sensor and this lens will fit your camere and be at 64MM
Will it work with the EOS 40D. Or is there a better recommendation.
Hello,
Yes it will work on the 40D but the improved focusing will not be available to you. To get the most out of this lens, it is best used on the new T4i. There is no other pancake lens options for Canon at this time.
Is this an EF-S lens? Can I use it with my Canon film cameras as well?
Hello,
This is not an EF-S lens and should work on any EOS mount body.
This lens fills a gap on Canon product line, but still I can't find a normal prime lens for my APS-C camera with image stabilizer.
What about releasing a good and fast 32mm EF-S lens for the Cropped sensor product line?
I regret not having bought a Sony system that has IS on the camera body.
How does this compare to the nifty-fifty? Is it really worth the extra 100 dollars? Thanks!
If you don't have a Canon T4i, yuo are better off with the nifty fifty at half the price.
The key differentiator for this lens is the autofocus while taking video - but this is specific to the Canon T4i - even the Canon 5D MkIII can't do this.
I've got another question. Even though other cameras can't support STM, would the focusing system on the 40mm be faster and more percious than the 50mm?
Unfortunately this being the first lens of its type and the fact that we don't have a copy in-house to test yet, its too soon to say. Once we do a concise test/report we will post our findings on how fast it seems in comparison to normal EF lenses used on other non-STM bodies.
Would you recommend this lens for a Canon 7D? What about STM autofucus?
In reading the report, how's it on a 60D ? In fact tell me if the 60D is a full frame sensor or not.
The 60d is NOT a full frame sensor.
The lens is fully compatible with any of the Canon EOS system DSLRs. It would work great on the 60D. The 60D is an APS-C/crop sensor camera.
If you wanna know if the 60D is full frame or not look it up. The price should suggest something.
Seriously.. how can someone own a 60D and ask, "is it a full frame camera"? Good grief...
A 60D is a cropped sensor, and yes the 40mm lens will work perfectly on that camera
Is it good for Canon Eos Rebel T3i? 58 mm Thanks
By the way, it uses 52mm thread size filters, not 58mm, if that's what you were asking with the 58mm part of your post.
Yes, it would work great on your T3i.
It looks pretty.... but whan can I do with this lens that I can't with the 50mm f/1.4?
Nothing. The autofocus while taking video only works on the Canon T4i body - no other body has this feature yet.
The motor in the lens is better for video recording, it still works great for stills. That and the compact size make it a nice walk-around lens.
Or my 17-40.
Squeeze through tight spaces.
LOLz
But you're still dealing with a fairly large camera, even the smallest EF-S is fairly substantial. I think a pancake makes sense with mirrorless cameras, a tiny lens on a small camera - small total package. Tiny lens on a large camera - still a large total package.
shoot at 40mm, and have a lens that can fit in to your pocket.
The Canon 50mm f/1.4 has a USM vs a STM motor. Typically USM is faster than STM but also results in a more "jerky" focus when shooting video (hence why videographers using dslrs might opt for a follow focus attachment). As noted about when a STM lens is paired with a STM camera body (i.e. Rebel T4), you get a much better auto focusing when shooting video. The slower motor helps apparently.
Optically, I'd would rather wait and see what other reviewers say about this lens before buying it.
"Optically, I'd would rather wait and see what other reviewers say about this lens before buying it."
Yes, that's what I thought.
STM? Plus the size - travelability of this lens is compelling.
Like the article says, STM allows continuous AF while shooting video, when paired with an STM-capable body like the T4i
So what I'm gathering is, if I buy this lens it will be better for video than a standard lens in terms of autofocus? Or is that only if i have an STM body as well? I have a t3i, and i really can't upgrade at this point, but if I can get even halfway decent autofocus with this pair I might consider it. Thoughts?
Hello,
STM focusing requires a body that has Canon's new 'Hybrid CMOS' sensor that includes pixels dedicated to phase detection autofocus. An older body such as your T3i will use Canon's original Arc Form Drive (AFD) focusing method.
Does the Canon 60D have AFD as well?
Eos camera that has a "Hybrid CMOS sensor" is EOS 60Da, the another version of EOS 60D that allows you to take picture of stars,night skies,nebula,and more
AFD refers to Canon's original focus motor.
The 60D has Canon's conventional sensor and phase detection system allowing it to use Canon's EF and EF-S lenses with all the various focusing motor systems. This includes using STM equipped lenses. However, the 60D does not have the Hybrid CMOS sensor of the T4i therefore it cannot do STM continuous AF during video.
Hello,
No, please allow me to explain. In the early days of autofocus photography (Canon’s first AF SLR body was the T80 in 1985), the AF drive motor was placed in the camera body and drove the lens mechanically. With the introduction of the EF lens mount (currently used today) in 1987, the fully electronic connectors allowed the autofocus motor to be moved from the camera body to the lens itself. All Canon AF mechanisms are lens based.
Wear it around your neck without a big lens sticking out. Back in the day, a Pentaz MX with a 40mm pancake lens was my favorite walk around kit.
True. This lens is smaller than the 50mm 1.8 but it's also twice the price.
If you don't have a T4i body (which means you wont have the autiofocus while shooting video feature), I suggest sticking with the 50mm 1.8mm
Although not as slim as this one, the EF 50mm is quite small.
My favourite walk-about setup today is my Pentax K-5 with the DA 40/2.8 AL Limited attached (660g body + 90g lens).
Will the motor still be silent when not used on a T4i? e.g. a 7D Thanks
STM technology is a camera-body based attribute that, when paired with an STM designated lens, offers smooth and silent continuous autofocus while capturing video will not be available to you. Now, does this mean it will be loud on other cameras such as the 7D, not likely but it likely will not be as silent. At this point we cannot say as we have not had a chance to take the lens for a test run. Once we are able to conduct any tests we will reoport our findings.
There will be no continuous autofocus with the 40mm paired with the 5Dm3.
This is a bit misleading. I have the 5DIII and 40mm pancake and it will continuously focus in still mode - just not in video mode.
I really like the 40mm - I have the 50mm 1.4 too and the lens characteristics are quite different. On a full frame camera 40mm is a great walk around focal length plus it makes the camera much easier to walk around with or slip into a bag.
^ What he said.
Also, this lens seems built for street shooters and amatuer videographers, a group that's exploded in size over the past decade.
This lens is unbelievably light, it completely changes the profile of your camera, making it easy to carry everyday in any bag, and the performance and build quality (metal mount) is more than satisfactory for $199.
If they made a 35 this thin I'd rock it, but the 40 came first.
Just got this lens and tried it both on 7D and mk3 and it is noisy and doesn't focus quick in either mode.
Also.... if you have a cropped sensor i would easily choose the 1.8 50mm it is a great lens and i would try that first. i do find this lens a little on the dark side, especially as literately the amount of glass is very small compared to the 1.8.
the shapness of this lens is its strength, especially on full frame as it extends all the way through the image.
I have this lens and would just like to add a few of my findings...
The lens is very sharp especially at 2.8 (the same if not better when compared to my L series lenses).
It is by no means quiet, quite noisy in a strange way on my 5dmkii but i know its an older body.
The best thing about this lens is it great optics in a tiny package. i know the whole pancake thing came off the back of the micro whatever thirds. but this means you can carry your full frame around in a small package with great results and kills the competition of mirror-less cameras.
Its not the fastest focus out of the box but then why should it be.
thanks
which lens fits best in my 60d... 50mm or 40mm? which of the two is highly recommended? thanks
Between the two, I would recommend the Canon 50mm 1.4 more for the 60D.
The only real advantage of the 40mm would be the size (and a slightly wider field of view) but the 50 1.4 is a great go to prime lens.