For those of you who want to learn what these abbreviations are about, I have compiled a list of the terms used, what it stands for and of course what it will actually do for you or avoid.
General Abbreviations.
Before we get into the nitty gritty of why they are all different, let's look at the commonalities. There are three common terms to describe SLR lenses and these are simple to grasp and relate purely to more creative and performance functions.
Focal length: - The scope of the scene captured example 16-35mm. A lens which covers an area of 16mm (relatively wide) zooming in to 35mm.
Maximum aperture:- The maximum speed at which the lens can let in light. eg f/2.8 or f3.5 - 5.6
If the lens has only one number then that is the maximum aperture possible.
If the lens has 2 numbers then these are the maximum apertures possible dependent upon the focal length the lens is set to.
The lower the number the wider the lens aperture and the faster it lets in light. (see my forthcoming article on the law of reciprocity)
AF/MF: Switch between Auto Focus and Manual Focus
Canon Lens Abbreviations
Terms to describe Canon lenses
Canon produce an extremely wide range of lenses for their EOS cameras. This married with the ranges produced by Sigma, Tamron and Tokina gives Canon owners an enormous range of Canon Fit SLR Lenses. The abbreviations used by Canon are as below.
EF: Electronic Focus. Lens mount fits the entire Canon EOS DSLR range.
EF-S: As above but only fitting the APS-C sensor digital SLR such as the 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D and 300D, 350D, 400D, 450D, 500D. The S stands for "short back focus," meaning that the back of the lens is much closer to the CMOS (CCD if you like) than with EF lenses.
USM: Ultrasonic autofocus motor. Two types. USM micro-a direct replacement for the systems on older FD motors and 'Ring USM' with manual override.
DO: Diffractive optics. A technology allowing Canon to produce shorter physical length lenses.
TS-E: Tilt-shift lens used for perspective correction in photography, usually in architectural work to alter converging lines and depth of field. Similar to 'Sinar' camera.
L Lenses: Canon professional with higher optical quality and not specifically functionality. Usually white in colour. All L series lenses have a red ring on the outside..
MP-E: Macro Photo Electronic. Lenses designed for macro with an electronic aperture control function.
IS: Image Stabilisation, A system designed to reduce hand shake. Nikon version is called VR (Vibration Reduction) and Sigma one is OS (Optical Stabilisation).
Nikon Lens Abbreviations
Describing Nikon Lenses
Nikon produce a large range of lenses with their own specific acronyms. Sigma, Tamron and Tokina also make Nikon Fit SLR Lenses making the selection almost equally as wide
AF DC_ Nikkor Lenses:Defocus-image Control adjusting spherical aberration and thus the blur giving rounded blur effect used for portraits.
CRC (Close-Range Correction): Fot fisheye, wide-angle, Micro, and limited medium telephoto, offering higher quality at closer distances.
DX Nikkor: optimised for bodies with smaller sensors.
ED: Extra-low Dispersion glass. Superior sharpness and colour, correcting blue and red light travel.
IF: Internal Focusing. Lens length remains unchanged
Macro: suitable for close up focusing.
G: Aperture adjusted by the camera body.
Nano Crystal Coat: non-reflective coating for clearer images.
VR: Vibration Reduction: Nikon's version Image Stabilisation to cur down the effects of hand shake.
PC-E: Perspective Control for architectural photography.
RF: Rear Focusing for smoother auto focus..
Silent Wave Motor: Silent AF
Sigma Lens Abbreviations
Acronyms for Sigma lenses
EX: Sigma's professional lenses.
DG: For full frame bodies
DC: For APS-C bodies.
ASP: Aspherical lens.
APO: Apochromatic lens. Unique to Sigma and for chromatic aberration.
OS: Optical Stabilisation.
HSM: Hypersonic Motor. Silent AF.
RF: Rear focus..
IF: Inner focus so lens physical length is fixed reducing hand shake on longer focus shots.
DF: Dual focus. Does not rotate during AF.
Conv: Used with Sigma teleconverters.
Tamron Lens Abbreviations
Tamron Lenses described
ASL: Aspherical
AD: Reduces chromatic aberration..
Di : Full frame
Di II: Cropped Frame.
IF: Internal focus.
LD: Low Dispersion Glass to reduce chromatic abberation
Macro: Designed to focus on closer subjects
SP : Super Performance.
XR: Extra Refractive Glass for improved optical results.
VC: Vibration Control as Canon's IS, Sigma's OS and Nikon's VR.
For more information on lens acronyms and lens applications visit Park Cameras. A pro dealer who provide full UK warranty SLR Lenses.
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