Canon 40mm 2.8 Pancake Lens Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- froknowsphoto.c...
There seems to be this trend to move towards thinner and smaller lenses known as Pancake lenses. Canon put out a 40mm 2.8 Prime lens that I picked up at AllensCamera to play with and review. I have been using this lens on the Canon T4i and have come to a simple conclusion.
This lens is a $200 no questions asked winner. The reason I say its no questions asked is the fact that its very inexpensive for what you get. The build quality is top of the line from the metal mount to the feel in your hands. With that said this is a very very small and light weight lens, thus the pancake design.
Canon tries to market this as a discreet lens for when you don't want people to know your taking pictures. I think thats a marketing joke and not something I would ever promote a lens for.
This lens is fast focusing, sharp all the way through and very very light. Sometimes you may think its to light and small. For example when you are shooting video its not out of the question that your finger finds its way into your frame while trying to focus the very very thin focusing ring.
The question is going to be asked, should you get this lens or the Canon 50 1.8 plastic fantastic? One clocks in at $200 while the other is $109. Even though the 50 is a 1.8 I think the build quality of the 40 2.8 would have me leaning towards it for a more versatile lens especially on a cropped sensor.
Like I said up top, you should not fret to long about purchasing this lens or not. It was a pleasure to use and the results were very much to my liking. You can download the FULL RES exports RIGHT HERE. All images are corrected as I feel that is the best way to judge a product.
If you would like to pick up one of these lenses and you are in the USA please check out AllensCamera.com or call 215.547.2841.
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It's hard not to like this guy. He puts a lot of work in his videos for us. Thanks Jared!
On a crop it's basically a 64mm but somehow still retains a wide angle feel. One of the most overlooked features of this lens is it's close up (almost macro) ability prefect for product and nature close-ups. All in all a fantastic lens super fantastic for the price. As always great straight forward video, great job !
Finally a video that mentions the Canon feel or look, Please make a video talking about the Canon Feel vs the Nikon look, people are always talking about Canon vs Nikon and they talk about everything except what you said in this video, Nikon and Canon have a different feel, and I would love to see it analyzed, and i would love to hear what your opinion is about the 2 different looks and why you have that opinion, just the difference between Nikon and Canon feel,not all the mp or fps crap, thanks
Thats because I prefer to shoot video in manual focus as the auto is not fast enough in my opinion.
I just purchased this lens without watching this video first and now I am even more psyched to have this lens show up (Happy Birthday to Me !). Thanks for posting this, wish I had seen this earlier, but does'nt matter, still got this thing coming my way today or tomorrow !
I walk around for days so the camera weight is really important and I got myself a 100D and this pancake. I love them, so easy to carry and use.
35mm or less is generally considered wide-angle. So actually, 40mm is quite close to wide angle. Unless you're using a crop-sensor camera, in which case ~22mm and lower would be wide-angle.
i own both, and I have to say that i enjoy the 40mm much more. I find the sharpness is better, and colours pop, but the focus speed is a little slower. Either or you can't go wrong with either one of them
Another awesome Video. I went out the other night to shoot fireworks and ran into fellow photographers. We talked and networked.AND.....I got a gig! YOU WERE RIGHT! Going out there and shoot really does pay off! I meant wonderful people and the audience came to my camera to look at the pictures! I am now more confident in my photos because of you! Thank you so much for the amazing videos advice!
The 40 pancake is a very underrated lens. Sharp, light, and discrete. Always produces great images and video footage.
Got mine for about $100 refurbished from the Canon online store. I don't like the focal length on a crop camera (64mm equivalent is pretty awkward for me). However, I really like it on a full frame camera. I am looking forward to using it in low light with my 6D Mark ii which will be arriving soon. With the high ISO capability of the 6D Mark ii, f/2.8 will not be too slow!
Richard Crowe thought about getting the 40.. got the 24 instead & im happy with my choice. 64mm is not a good focal length
yes of course.
The pictures of the kid, the dog and the X100 at the end were absolutely nailed on...
I have the 40mm but I mainly want to take portraits and video. Should I buy the 50mm as well? :o
Hope you did, the 50 1.4 is amazing
You can use it for anything.
But how does it work with syrup and butter?
I'm watching this 8 years later because I heard it's a great lens!
I picked this up just today for $170 and its very nice so far. Its obviously not a very fast lens for indoor work but at 2.8 and bumped ISO, it does well. It doesnt need to be stopped down to sharpen. my 50 1.8 has to be stopped down a bit to become very sharp so really if you want sharp indoor shots, they'd be almost the same. This feels better built and the autofocus is pretty much silent.
I'm loving this lens. I went on vacation to Denver last week and I bought this lens for the trip so I didn't have to carry so much with me while I was just walking around. I'm really happy with it. For the $150 price tag at Best Buy, it's definitely worth the money.
The song is FREE on my web site. just add a /songs at the end of the address.
Photo rap was awesome, and thank you for the honest review of this lens. And of course, I'm subscribed to your channel.
This is exactly what I'm looking for = to blur my background completely while doing portrait pictures. Thanks for the review of this lens.
I was considering the 35mm f/2 since I have a crop sensor camera (focal length comes out to 56mm), but it's $320. In your opinion, would the slightly longer focal length and smaller aperture be worth the $120 savings?
it is!!!
Love the Charles Chips container on the counter! I haven't seen one in YEARS. They used to deliver them to our house when I was a kid,
I started with the 50mm 1.8 and I am extremely happy i did. I didn't buy a DSLR for the size, which is why I'm a little confused on why they made this. But for me the 1.8 was absolutely needed, even now that i have a D800 and many other lenses I still use my 50 1.8 for that extra stop.
when you sign up for the fro e mail list on the web site you get the MP3 for FREE.
Depends on what kind of pics you want. I like using macro lenses for food, and getting the really close up detailed pics.
(If you're searching for video reviews on this lens, I posted my comment on a few in the hopes of helping someone else.) Edited.
So I just got this lens today to use between my Zeiss 21 and 100 Makro Planar when I don't feel like carrying the Zeiss 28 and 50 MP around for the middle. I had a Zeiss 35 ƒ2 and hated it, even tough I had historically been a 35/85 guy. Now I'm a 28 guy, but that means a 50 as well. (Don't get me going on all he 50mm lenses I've tried out!) Picking a reasonably fast 35-40mm lens has been exhausting. I didn't want L weight or ƒ1.4 size. I took a chance with this pancake (over the Voightlander Ultron II), hoping to break my "Canon for Clients, Zeiss for me" mantra.
It's a nice lens (maybe great), especially at 2.8. It seemed to peak out around ƒ11 but I wasn't too concerned about stopping down; I never shoot less than ƒ8. As fine as it is, and I love the focal length (full frame), it's just too slow. AF is okay I suppose, but I found myself at 1/10th second at 640 ISO in average light. I could hand hold this 80% of the time at 1/20th, but when I consider the option of a 35 ƒ2 with IS, that's where I need to be. 35mm without IS would be fine, but the older USM version (smaller, lighter) couldn't possibly be better than the 35 1.4L I had once, which, together with my 16-35 2.8II had me thinking Canon couldn't make a wide lens. This lens proved me wrong. I only hope the lessons Canon learned here are in the new 35. ( I understand the 35 ƒ2IS has more vignetting wide open, but maybe the same at 2.8.)
It's a great lens for when light is plentiful, but in the end, I shoot available. I lust after handholding in available street light, sometimes from the hip. If the option of IS in a middle-length lens wasn't there (Canon 35 ƒ2 IS), I'd be as happy as 1979 with this little STM.
These are all nice daylight shots, what about shooting concerts, would it work good with low light situations?
how would you compare the image quality of the 40mm to the 50 mm lenses, are any of the Canon 50's as sharp ? how does the overall image of the Canon 50's compare to the 40mm 2.8 ? ,,,, I own the 40mm but I also want to buy a 50mm ,,, I know the 1.2 L lens is real nice. but I wonder if it is consistent at nailing focus, and I wonder the same thing about the 1.4 ? I heard real good things about the Sigma 50 f1.4 so I tried it, but I wasn't happy with how it was nailing the focus on my 5D3
just purchased my fist dslr, i got the t4i and i have no idea how to use it, but all your vids and some other camera buffs vids are very helpful . thank you
I got this lens at a local electronic stores for 120$ for my Canon EOS m100 (1.6x) and Viltrox eos-m2 speed booster(0.71x). Got a focal length of 45mm @ F2.0. Very amazing and sharp lens indeed.
what about the focusing noise? especially for video since you'll get it right in the movie..
I'm used to using this lens on a crop sensor camera, and it was pretty awesome. I recently got a 5D so I could try out this whole full frame thing. The 40mm pancake seems a little wide on full-frame. I definitely have to use it a little differently. I have to get a lot closer to get good photos, which is fine.
Hey Jared, what are your thoughts on the Canon EOS 650D? I'll be using it for both Photos and Videos. Photos mainly for family events, birthdays and food shots and video too. I can invest on a lens too. How would you compare it to the D5200?
Should I get the 24-105 f4 IS or save more until I can get the 24-70 2.8 (the price increased as supply decreased and the mark 2 came out). The price difference is about a grand.
the same happened to me, my 50mm 1.8 canon lens broke, the focus stopped working, I'm also thinking which of these to get
Hi Jared, question: for a wideangle lens: which one to get ? Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM or the zoom Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ?
Like to do some street photography or scenery
Agreed, the canon 50mm 1.8 = "fantastic plastic." However, how would you compare the pancake lens to the canon 50mm 1.4?
depends. pancake for portraits and lower light, efs for zoom capabilities and wider point of view.
Jared...I enjoy your dispensing of knowledge & experience. Thank you for your intense and well thought out productions!
Should I get the Canon 650D now, or wait for the 70D? :(
Great review but what is plastic fantastic mean?
Same as The Nifty Fifty. Lol
as soon as I picked up the 40 and held it in my hands I wanted it, it looks and feels good and the focus ring is so smooth, I tried it for a second and it seemed fast and sharp, so I bought it, when I went out and shot with it, I was very impressed with the image quality, even though this 40mm is a $200 dollar lens, I consider it an L lens, I also own the new Canon 70/200 IS ll and it is amazing, but this little 40 is pretty amazing too, it turns my new 5D3 into an expensive point and shoot haha
What reasoning? Just curious. Everything i've read, the 40 is better (sharper) for images, 50 for video.
I love that the 'staple' jars in Jared's kitchen are used for candy.
compared to the kit lens YES! you will be amassed. Go to a camera store and try out the 50mm 1.8 and you'll see the difference. They should also have the package for you to try out.
the song at the beginning was awesome where can I download it.
soundcloud.com/froknowsphoto/froknowsphotos-song-1
I'm thinking the same... have you purchase it already?
I've been thinking about buying this lens for a while, now I'm sold!
Please someone reply. should I keep my T4i (650D) or take it back and get the Nikon D5100. take into account I don't care for video just still, and I want something good in low light. Is the Nikon D5100 just the same as the T4i as in picture quality or is the T4i better?
1:50 wouldn't you compare the canon 40 2.8 to the nikon 40 2.8, not the 35 1.8...?
Which one do you think is better for video for beginners ? This one or the Canon 50 1.8?
Can this lens be a allday lens. I want something like the 18-55. This one is better??
Hi. Just a quick question. I have a t3i and am deciding between the 50m f1.8 and the 40mm f2.8. This is going to be used for portraits, both indoors and outdoors, in various lighting conditions (Sunny, Overcast, Night, Flash, House Lighting, etc). Also, how is the AF on the t3i?
yes! Specially in manual mode you can get very close sharp photos with really nice bokeh
The autofocus for video it's fine? I have mark iv canon
If we already have the 50 1.4, are we better off?
good luck and enjoy.
was the d7000's intervalometer used while making the "cooking pancake scene"?
how about the STM features bro? that's the reason you wanna pair it up with t4i, right?
pls do a review for Pentax DA 40mm 2.8 Limited pancake lens...but i doubt if you will do it, never seen you with Pentax before
I love my 50mm 1.8 for portraits.
I bought it just as a mess around toy and now I end up taking it everywhere.
So, what are the main differences between this lens and the 18-55mm kit? is this lens better than the 18-55mm?. I am a beginner and just bought my first camera (t4i). Thanks Jared!
Cake vs 50mm 1.8 witch is better
Would this be a good lens on my t2i (crop) for shooting portraits? I have a job coming up that involves taking pictures of clothes/models. Would it be a good length for that?
Can't approve of the song as a Nikon photographer ;) Just playing, stylish review Jared!
Hi,
Cool video!
I have the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, that came with Canon 90D, would this lens be better to get for portraits, closeups/macros, & video?
For the reason that I can shoot 1.8. Like for example, I've read that the 50 1.4 is sharper than the 50 1.2 but people still buy the 1.2 because of that aperture.The large aperture is a neccesity for me especially when I shoot low light. But that's just my opinion. I'm sure that the 40 is good (even better perhaps since its newer) but yeah. Sharpness is not the only the basis of image quality.
From what I've read/watched the 50mm 1.8 and 1.4 are sharper than the 1.2 above f/2.8. Below that the 1.2 beats them. I've had both the 50mm 1.8 and 1.4 and rarely used them below f/2.8 to keep things sharp as possible, preferred the 1.4 for its build quality and USM over the 1.8. Sold the 1.8 in favour of the 1.4 then that in favour of a 28mm 1.8 though, currently considering the 40mm STM or a wideish standard zoom like the 17-40mm f/4 L
I'm new to photography and have a question.
Why are you using such a high ISO on most of the images? It seems like your shooting in good light... Can anybody help me understand this?
I have a Canon Rebel T3 if I use this lens will it change the quality of my photos?
Are we gonna get a Hasselblad file from Adam soon for the RAW file edit of the week? :)
which should i get pancake len, 50mm 1.8 or 50mm 1.4?
@RustyNotesTV Yes but it sucks autofocusing at night at least my model. Manual is is a great lens.
why are there no G class nikon pancake lenses
pancake lens or EFS 18-135mm lens ??
I´ve worked with both of them, both deliver very good image-quality! I´d say: i.q. same level! So it depends more on your inclination, what feels more intuitive to you button- and menu-wise, what feels better in your hands? I like the T4i´s audio better and it´s Stepping Motor AF during video is more advanced, it´s smoother (though still far from perfect....)
Please tell me what is the same lens to use with Nikon D5200???
This thing is still in my bag. Takes no room and always fun to shoot with
To make pancake lens:
1/2 cup melted stainless steel
5 pieces molded glass
3 tsp plastic (for lens cap)
Mix together, freeze, and enjoy! (;
I thought I was the only one that thinks about the "canon colour" I noticed that too. and I kinda like it. Nikon colours is kinda more bluish to me but more vivid as well.
Hi, I know this might be a silly question but...Does Allen's Camera ship internationally? I was looking at their site and I just couldn't find the information or a way to contact them.
HAHAHAHA you actually made pancakes! Brilliant!
not really no. 85mm would be better.
Fro just one question im getting a 1d mark 2 and its a 1.3 crop so would the 40 be a better choice then the 50 1.8 because it would be closer to 50 then the actual 50.?
What makes two different from 24mm and 40mm pancakes?
This guy... Haha! Jared! You can turn anything boring into something really interesting! Not saying that Photography is boring, otherwise I wouldn't be a subscriber to your channel! Just saying you got lots of talents and grabbing the public is one of them! Keep it up! See yaaah ;)
Hey I just found this video and I love it. I have the 40mm in my bag with my T4i. I do have a question for you though. I'm looking around for some tilt-shift lenses. Do you have any recommendations for use with a T4i? Great song by the way.
Sells for $149 at best buy! EXCELLENT lens just picked it up! Excited to take pictures with it! Great review and vids!
- t4i user.
@Illusive Man what? i dont understand what you mean
What about the groove at the beginning of your videos?
im trying to get into food photography. would this be a good start or should i go for something else
rich rymer check out some macro lenses... they really make a diffrence in the food photos.. :D
These are also edited with Lightroom correct?
Does it come with a hashbrown?
Because of this video ... I purchased the lens yesterday ....
and a t5i body ... bought it off a company in NJ that discounts
the T5i body 75 cheaper than B and H ... include the tax ...
and that's 140 bucks .....
Going to watch this again ....
I have the 24-70 F2.8 and I still want it.
will a lens hood fit on this somehow?
I love to take food photography pics, will this lens suit for my needs?