Canon lens overview... please & thank you.

[michaelsmoley]

I have searched here and elsewhere, so please forgive me if this has been addressed.

Can someone please explain the difference is canon lenses... EF, EF-S, USM, L, I, II, III.

For example, why is 50mm f/1.4 USM ~ $400 and 50mm f/1.8 II ~ $125

As I said in this posthere I'm in the market for a new camera, and I like the idea of investing in a good lens that I can hold on to even if I outgrow the body.

Thanks

[RichardTaylor]

Re the terminology, See here (the I, II, III are progressions in the model number (usually improved).

Canon Lens Glossary


Why the difference in pric?.
The 50mm F1.8 is built down to a price; More "plastic", slower to focus, smaller maximum aperture.
The 50mm F1.4 isn't quite so much, and could be considered a mid range lens (The L's are another step up again)

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