Canon Lenses: Should You Choose EF or RF?

If you would like to watch the video where I discuss this topic, CLICK HERE

As Canon continues its transition toward mirrorless systems, photographers face a critical decision: Should you invest in EF lenses, or is it time to fully embrace RF glass? Canon appears to be phasing out many EF lenses, making the choice even more pressing for photographers considering their next gear purchase.

In this post, I’ll break down the pros and cons of both options, share some personal insights, and offer guidance to help you make the right choice for your needs.

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The Case for EF Lenses

1. Proven Quality

EF lenses, particularly the L-series, are renowned for their exceptional build and optical performance. These lenses have been a cornerstone of Canon’s lineup for decades, and they’re still highly capable of delivering professional-quality results.

For photographers who already own EF lenses, the question becomes whether the improvements in RF glass are significant enough to warrant an upgrade. In many cases, the differences may not justify selling off your current EF lenses, especially if they’re already meeting your needs.

2. Backward Compatibility

EF lenses are compatible with a wide range of Canon DSLR and film cameras, making them a versatile choice if you shoot across multiple systems. For example:

• Film Cameras: EF lenses are the only option for Canon EOS film bodies like the EOS 3.
• DSLRs: While RF lenses can be adapted to work on mirrorless cameras, they cannot be used on DSLRs, limiting their flexibility.

If you plan to continue using older camera systems alongside newer ones, keeping EF lenses in your kit is a practical decision.

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The Case for RF Lenses

1. Future-Proofing Your Gear

Canon’s RF lenses represent the future of their lens ecosystem. Built for the RF mount, these lenses take full advantage of the company’s latest technological advancements, including:

• Improved Optical Design: RF lenses often feature better sharpness, contrast, and reduced aberrations.
• Advanced Features: Some RF lenses include features like built-in stabilization that were not available on EF versions.

If you’re committed to upgrading your gear over time, it makes sense to fill gaps in your lens lineup with RF glass.

2. Superior Performance for Mirrorless Cameras

RF lenses are designed specifically for Canon’s mirrorless bodies, such as the EOS R5 and R6. This compatibility ensures optimal performance, including faster autofocus, better stabilization, and seamless communication between lens and camera.

For photographers with no legacy gear or who are fully transitioning to mirrorless, RF lenses are the clear choice.

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My Approach: A Hybrid Strategy

As a photographer with a mix of film, DSLR, and mirrorless cameras, I find myself taking a hybrid approach:

1. Retaining EF Lenses: I’ll continue to use EF glass for my film and DSLR cameras, as they’re still excellent performers and highly versatile.
2. Filling Gaps with RF Lenses: For any new lens purchases or replacements, I’ll opt for RF lenses to ensure compatibility with my mirrorless bodies and to take advantage of the latest features.

While I’ll miss the flexibility of using new lenses on older systems, the reality is that photography is a technological pursuit, and RF lenses are the way forward.

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Key Considerations

When deciding between EF and RF lenses, ask yourself the following:

• Do you have legacy gear? If you shoot with film cameras or DSLRs, EF lenses are essential.
• Are you building a mirrorless kit? RF lenses are the best option for future-proofing your gear.
• Do you have gaps in your lineup? Use RF lenses to fill any missing focal lengths or features.
• Are you replacing failed lenses? If you’re investing in new glass, RF is the logical choice.

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Final Thoughts

Canon’s RF lenses represent the future of their ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean EF lenses are obsolete. For photographers with diverse needs, a hybrid approach can provide the best of both worlds. Personally, I’ll continue using my EF lenses where they make sense while gradually transitioning to RF glass for new purchases.

What about you? Are you sticking with EF lenses, moving entirely to RF, or taking a mixed approach? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s driving your decisions.