15Jun Canon 40mm f2.8 STM pancake lens
Slightly thicker then 2 stacked body caps, the 40mm f2.8 STM lens represents Canon’s first modern pancake lens. I have no idea whether or not this lens will spark a new line of mirrorless Canon cameras, but it is a refreshing change of concept when compared to the rest of Canon’s lineup.
The STM designation stands for Stepper motor which is a slightly slower but quieter method of focusing. This replaces the USM (ultrasonic motor) system Canon uses in most of their modern lenses in an effort to reduce or eliminate focusing noise from recorded videos. The new format is designed to work with the continuous auto focus system included in the new Canon t2i t4i.
At a list price of $199, I pre-ordered the Canon 40mm f2.8 lens as soon as I heard the announcement. I don’t think it’ll take over the number one spot in my lens collection but early test results show it performing better then both the Canon 50mm f1.8 II and Canon 50mm f1.4. The test results, size, and minimum focal distance of 0.98 feet could make it a very popular walk around lens for the price. I’m very interested to test it out.
The Canon 40mm f2.8 lens is available for pre-order from both B&H and Amazon. From what I’ve gathered it should be shipping in the next few weeks. I’ll keep you posted.
June 15th, 2012 at 8:36 am
Hey, at the risk of sounding ignorant, what kinds of uses will this lens serve in your collection? I’ve got a small collection of zoom and prime lenses that cover my low-light needs, short depth of field needs, long zoom needs etc… but I’m always interested in what lenses others are using and what they excel at.
June 15th, 2012 at 8:37 am
Hi,
is the STM better than USM in general, or just for filming?
June 15th, 2012 at 9:41 am
STM is slower then USM but almost silent. So it’s better for video, but no gain in focus speeds.
June 15th, 2012 at 9:11 am
You now have me really interested in this lens, I will ask for one to review. Are you going to review one?
June 15th, 2012 at 9:32 am
I should have a review out soon after my preorder shows up.
June 15th, 2012 at 11:40 pm
When you say its performing better, in what way? I own the 50mm 1.8 (I own) however been borrowing my significant other’s 50mm 1.4 as it seems to provide much better focus and detail between these two lenses. I am shooting mostly testimonial and short product and service marketing videos with a portable green screen studio. I usually manual focus so there isn’t much needed for auto focus? I have considered purchasing the 1.4 however would this one be a better value for the price and allow me put the extra $$ towards the Canon XF100 that I am saving for?
June 16th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
Hey Deejay I’d just like to say thanks for sharing your knowledge of the DSLR film world with us. Your YouTube videos have been very helpful for a film noob such as myself. This question doesn’t have anything to do with this particular post, but I was wondering if you could share some info on Canon FD lenses (thoughts on quality, etc.) and the adapters for the EOS.
I picked up a 28mm FD and a 50mm FD super cheap but they don’t fit my T2i so I need an adapter. Could you shed some light on ‘no glass’ vs. ‘with glass’ adapters. Specifically how the image is weakened or compromised and what route you recommend taking to get the most out of the lenses.
Again, thanks for helping film noobs such as myself. Cheers.