Canon EF 40mm F2.8 STM Review
General information
This is a prime lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2012.
The lens belongs to the category
standard prime lenses, a normal lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Product description from Canon
At launch 2012 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 40mm F2.8 STM:
"A unique and indispensable addition to Canon´s series of EF lenses, the new EF 40mm f/2.8 STM offers an ultra-slim and lightweight design. Incredibly compact in size, the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM delivers high image quality from the center to the periphery thanks to its advanced lens configuration including an aspherical element, a bright 2.8 aperture, and optimized coatings that minimize ghosting and flare while providing exceptional color balance. The EF 40mm f/2.8 STM´s unobtrusive design helps the photographer avoid overwhelming their subjects with a large lens and to remain discreet in sensitive shooting situations with no compromise in performance. Its diminutive design is complemented by features such as a newly developed stepping motor for smooth and quiet continuous AF while capturing video with the Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR, a circular aperture (7 blades) for beautiful soft-focus backgrounds, and a short minimum focusing distance of only 0.98 ft./0.30 m.
Standard and medium telephoto
A versatile, compact pancake lens. A fast maximum aperture enables low-light shooting and depth-of-field control. STM provides smooth quiet autofocus when shooting video with compatible cameras.
Features
Portable pancake design
Smooth, quiet STM focusing when shooting movies on compatible cameras
Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture for low-light shooting
Close focus to 0.3m
Fast, quiet AF for pin-sharp results
Great image quality right across the frame
A portable, versatile lens with STM for photographers travelling with their EOS.
Extremely compact and portable design
Never be without your EOS. The compact pancake EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is very thin, so you’ll always be able to take your DSLR with you.
Smooth and quiet AF, STM focussing for movies
Fast, accurate autofocusing ensures pin-sharp images even in tough conditions. Movie Servo AF with STM uses stepping-motor technology for smooth, quiet autofocus when filming on compatible Canon DSLRs.
Useful low light shooting
An f/2.8–22 aperture range provides control over depth of field, giving you the freedom to restrict or extend focus as required. A fast maximum aperture allows hand-held shooting in low light without using flash.
Great image quality designed for travel versatility
A versatile 40mm focal length is great for travel. Tackle everything from portraits to landscape and street photography. Great image quality right across the frame, thanks to an aspherical lens design and Super Spectra coatings."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 40 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF 40mm F2.8 STM
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.
This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 52 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
There is a lens hood that fits the lens (model name "ES-52") but unfortunately this is something that is not included when purchasing the lens and must be ordered and bought separately, as an accessory.
Images of Canon EF 40mm F2.8 STM
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- The price (more info)
- The lens brightness, f/2,8
- Works on all sensor types
- Light weight (130 gr)
- No lens hood is included
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF 40mm F2.8 STM.
| Build Quality |
 
|
| Image Quality |
|
| Autofocus |
|
| Sharpness |
|
| Versatility |
|
| Value |
|
| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
Best deals on Canon EF 40mm F2.8 STM
Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.