Nikon SLR Cameras

Ef/L/other letter codes in canon lenses?

Kaida
Kaida

I know for nikon lenses, DX stands for crop sensors while FX stands for full frame

would a lens like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 Mk II be usable on something like a t3i as well as 5dm2?
a little clarification on the labels of canon lenses would be helpful!

fhotoace
fhotoace

On Canon lenses EF are lenses used by any of the Canon dSLR cameras. The EF-S lenses can ONLY be used on cropped frame Canon cameras.

EF-S lenses will damage full frame Canon cameras unlike Nikon DX lenses which can be used on FX camera bodies.

Sprinter
Sprinter

EF = FX
EF-S = DX

But unlike Nikon, EF-S lenses do not work on full frame cameras. EF lenses however, work both on full frame and APS-C camera. In your case EF 50mm f1.8 should work both on t3i and 5d2.
L stands for luxury. All high end Canon EF lenses are marked L and they have a red ring around front element.

David M
David M

EF: Electronic focus and are designed for full frame cameras. These can also be used on APS-C cameras life the T3i.

EFs: Electronic focus short: These are designed specifically for APS-C cameras and can't be used on full frame or film cameras.

L: Luxury. These are the pro level lenses and are all EF lenses. They can be used on all Canon cameras. They typically have large and or constant apertures rather than the variable apertures of the consumer level lenses.