The distinctive red ring marks the Canon "L" series lenses.
Canon Inc. produces one of the most comprehensive lens systems for both professional and amateur photography. Canon's EOS lenses, or Electro-Optical System, contain electronic sensors that team with Canon's digital SLR cameras to offer accurate auto focus. These EOS lenses have an EF, or electro-focus, mount on a wide range of more economical and expensive lenses. Please note that the EF-S lens mount works for certain camera bodies, such as the EOS 7D, 60D and Rebel and Digital Rebel. Canon's EF lenses with an EF-USM designation feature an ultrasonic motor that allows for faster focus.
In 2007, Professional Photographer named two Canon lenses as the winners of Hot One Awards: EF 50mm f/1.2 lens for the "Autofocus Lens" category and the 70-200mm f/4L IS lens for "Telephoto Zoom Lens."
Optical Image Stabilizer
Some Canon lenses feature optical image stabilizer technology that works in low light conditions and counteracts camera shake. Low light conditions require a longer or slower shutter speed that can record movement from camera shake, resulting in blurred pictures. Image stabilizer lenses, however, contain gyro sensors that detect lens movement and compensate for it. The lens group shifts off its axis and allows up to three or four stops of light. The imaging sensor records a sharper image.
L-Series Lenses
Canon's L-series lenses are high-end, professional lenses. The "L" designation refers to luxury. An example of an L-series lens is EF 16-35mm f/2.8L. Canon's super telephoto lenses from the L-series use fluorite to reduce chromatic and optical aberrations to ensure accurate color and a sharp image.
Standard and Medium Telephoto Lenses
Canon's standard and medium telephoto lenses with one focal length include 50mm, 85mm and 100mm. These prime lenses produce extremely clear, crisp images.
Wide-Angle Lenses
For a wider angle of view to capture group shots, panoramas or architectural images, the EF series includes 14mm, 20mm, 24mm, 28mm and 35mm lenses. For an almost fishbowl look, Canon offers the 15mm f/2.8 fisheye lens. Ultra-wide zoom lenses provide a range of focal lengths, such as 8-15mm, 10-22mm, 16-35mm and 17-40mm.
Telephoto Lenses
Telephoto lenses with a fixed focal length include 135mm, 200mm and 300mm. The most versatile telephoto zoom lenses include 55-250mm, 70-200mm, 70-300mm, 75-300mm, 100-300mm and 100-400mm. Certain long lenses such as the EF 100-400 lens come with a removable tripod collar that increases stability on a tripod mount. Telephotos lenses from the L-series feature a black and white lens barrel that reduces heat gain and makes for a more comfortable hold on a sunny, hot day.
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