Tested Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM ‘Pancake’
The so-called ‘Pancake’ lens has always had a lot to recommend it – as well as some limitations. There are a number of them around at the moment. The key player is Pentax with one lens so thin it could be mistaken for a protective body cap!
In a world devoted to increasingly compact solutions, it’s no surprise to see this lens type making something of a comeback. Even a compact, mirrorless camera slips into the bag easier with a flat prime lens on the front, rather than a large zoom.
So it was not unexpected to see Canon releasing a new ‘skinny’, although it is the company’s first EF mount in 25 years!
What is unexpected is that it’s an EF 40mm, rather than an EF-S 25mm. I’m beginning to suspect Canon sees the future of the full-size DSLR as a full-frame world, especially with the release of its low-cost 6D.
The first barrier to full-size sensors was the cost. That’s come down. Then it was the physical restrictions of making a lightweight, low-profile body and lens which could fill a full frame. But the manufacturers seem to be getting over that too.
The EF 40mm follows the classic pancake pattern. Standard diameter, but short - one inch (25mm) short - with a slower aperture than a ‘normal’ standard lens; reasonable cost; and a slightly wider field of view than standard.
Why 40mm?
This story was first published in the Australian Photography + Digital February 2013 issue.
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