New Canon Lens Released: 40mm f/2.8 STM

ronanc15

So Canon have released a new super slim 40mm lens, 2.8. Price is fairly decent at £229 in the UK.

For curiousity sake, why would one opt for this instead of a 50mm 1.8? (Bar the obvious slightly wider angle.)


Full Spec here:

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/EF_Lenses/Standard_and_Medium_Telephoto/EF_40mm_f_2.8_STM/index.aspx

Promac

50mm is a bit too close for most cameras, well most canon anyway, as they're a 1.6 crop factor. 40mm would give you a bit more room. And the slim design plus quiet focus would sway it for me anyway.

Having said that, the 28mm f2.8 isn't much more expensive so I'd probably go for that instead.

ronanc15

The subtlety of the lens for street and candid photography definitely seems to be a selling point alright....

djgaillimh

I don't know why I keep hearing this point about it being more discreet for street photography. If it's attached to a dslr it's going to be noticeable regardless.

Besides, don't the 'candid' shooters prefer to snap pictures of unsuspecting homeless people from 200 yards away with a 300mm lens? That's the impression I get from seeing them around town.

I think if this is compatible with whatever slimmed down mirrorless camera Canon is about to offer it'll find its calling, but as it stands I reckon you're better off with the 50 or a 35.

Good price though.

magicbastarder

djgaillimh wrote: »

I don't know why I keep hearing this point about it being more discreet for street photography. If it's attached to a dslr it's going to be noticeable regardless.

Besides, don't the 'candid' shooters prefer to snap pictures of unsuspecting homeless people from 200 yards away with a 300mm lens? That's the impression I get from seeing them around town.

i think you've proved the point about them being discreet if all you notice are the people with long telephotos.

djgaillimh

magicbastarder wrote: »

i think you've proved the point about them being discreet if all you notice are the people with long telephotos.

I notice every DSLR that passes by me, as I'm sure you do too. I just pay particular attention to the long-distance candid shooters... because I think it's kind of poor form.

Haven't you ever noticed the looks you get from passers by when you have your camera on you?

If you want to be discreet when taking street photos you're better off with something smaller - like a rangefinder or one of the new mirrorless cameras.

I'm sure it'll be a good, compact lens, and I'm sure it has other advantages, but there's no blending in to the crowd with a DSLR around your neck.

ronanc15

djgaillimh wrote: »

magicbastarder wrote: »

i think you've proved the point about them being discreet if all you notice are the people with long telephotos.

I notice every DSLR that passes by me, as I'm sure you do too. I just pay particular attention to the long-distance candid shooters... because I think it's kind of poor form.

Haven't you ever noticed the looks you get from passers by when you have your camera on you?

If you want to be discreet when taking street photos you're better off with something smaller - like a rangefinder or one of the new mirrorless cameras.

I'm sure it'll be a good, compact lens, and I'm sure it has other advantages, but there's no blending in to the crowd with a DSLR around your neck.

When im talking subtlety i mean relatively. An slr with one of these is obviously going to be far less intrusive than telephotos

djgaillimh

Well, yeah, that's true. I'm just saying, if you're sticking it on a dslr, subtlety isn't really the greatest selling point.

Are there any reviews up yet? I'd love to see some sample shots with it.

ronanc15

djgaillimh wrote: »

Well, yeah, that's true. I'm just saying, if you're sticking it on a dslr, subtlety isn't really the greatest selling point.

Are there any reviews up yet? I'd love to see some sample shots with it.

Not a full review here but the most in depth Ive seen just yet

http://m.techradar.com/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/camera-lenses/canon-ef-40mm-f-2-8-stm-1083886/review

condra

No idea why this lens hasn't caused more of a stir. Image quality is exceptional for that price range.

Effects

Yeah, it's a lovely lens. I bought one last year and I love using it. Apart from people's opinions on it being discreet I love love how it makes the my setup smaller overall when I'm just out and about.