What Is the Difference in EF and AF Canon Rebel Lenses?

The standard lens mount for Canon is the EF.

Canon offers more than 60 EF lenses, ranging from an ultra-wide fisheye to a 1200 mm super-telephoto. All EF lenses are autofocus, or AF, lenses. They are compatible with every Canon AF camera, including digital models.

Rebel

The Canon EOS Rebel is a digital single lens reflex autofocus camera that accepts Canon EF lenses. It is a light, plastic-bodied entry-level DSLR with mostly automatic controls.

EF

EF stands for "electro focus," meaning the focus is controlled by a small motor inside the lens controls focus. The camera's battery powers the motor via the electronic lens mount. Canon made its first EF lenses in conjunction with its EOS project, which sought to design super high-speed autofocus lenses with silent operation. The EF has been the standard lens mount for Canon since replacing the FD mount in 1987.

L-Series

The top-of-the-line Canon EF lenses are the L-series, or luxury lenses. Each lens contains at least one fluorite or ultra-low dispersion glass element for the highest quality image.

References

• Ken Rockwell: Nikon vs. Canon
• Elizabeth Halford: Lens Lingo -- What do all Those Letters & Numbers Even Mean?
• Wildlife Pictures Online: Canon EF Lenses
• By Thom: Canon Digital Rebel (300D) Review
• Canon: Canon Camera Story 1987-1991

Resources

• Shutter Freaks: Getting to Know Canon's AI Servo