I learned something about lenses today...

Elaine

I guess I thought all lenses would twist the same direction in order to zoom in/zoom out! I'm using a Canon lens for the first time and wondered why my instinct was the exact opposite of what was correct in order to zoom in/zoom out. I checked my KM lens that I was used to and discovered the two lenses to be the opposite in operation! Will all Canon lenses function the same way, so I can just get used to one method? :huh

ziggy53

Elaine wrote:

I guess I thought all lenses would twist the same direction in order to zoom in/zoom out! I'm using a Canon lens for the first time and wondered why my instinct was the exact opposite of what was correct in order to zoom in/zoom out. I checked my KM lens that I was used to and discovered the two lenses to be the opposite in operation! Will all Canon lenses function the same way, so I can just get used to one method?

Elaine,

Canon is very good about standardizing how their lenses zoom and focus, with a few exceptions. I believe Tamron uses a reversed thread for many of their lenses, so a Canon EF mount Tamron lens might throw you for a bit.

Honestly, I find it only takes a few moments to switch my brain from one system to another, so I don't mind either system.

In the 1960s and 70s manufacturers tried to use push-pull methods for zoom, in part to try to counter some of the objections of the thread orientations of lenses. Canon also produced a couple of these lenses.

Unfortunately, these designs didn't really catch on that well so most manufacturers went back to the helical/screw design for both zoom and focus.

(Note: When I say "reversed" I simply mean one system compared to the other. Neither is necessarily correct as no standard exists, except the standard many people are used to in, for instance, plumbing.)

Elaine

ziggy53 wrote:

Elaine,

Canon is very good about standardizing how their lenses zoom and focus, with a few exceptions. I believe Tamron uses a reversed thread for many of their lenses, so a Canon EF mount Tamron lens might throw you for a bit.

Honestly, I find it only takes a few moments to switch my brain from one system to another, so I don't mind either system.

In the 1960s and 70s manufacturers tried to use push-pull methods for zoom, in part to try to counter some of the objections of the thread orientations of lenses. Canon also produced a couple of these lenses.

Unfortunately, these designs didn't really catch on that well so most manufacturers went back to the helical/screw design for both zoom and focus.

(Note: When I say "reversed" I simply mean one system compared to the other. Neither is necessarily correct as no standard exists, except the standard many people are used to in, for instance, plumbing.)

Thanks, ziggy! Very helpful and informative, as usual!

jdryan3

Elaine -
If your new 85 f/1.8 is the one causing you problems ... let me know and I'll drop you a PM with my address. Send it to me and I'll make sure you don't suffer too long from Ziggy's RSO (reverse orientation syndrome).

I hate to see people burdened like that, especially during the holidays.

Elaine

jdryan3 wrote:

Elaine -
If your new 85 f/1.8 is the one causing you problems ... let me know and I'll drop you a PM with my address. Send it to me and I'll make sure you don't suffer too long from Ziggy's RSO (reverse orientation syndrome).

I hate to see people burdened like that, especially during the holidays.

(By the way, it was my 17-55 2.8 IS...another "burdensome" lens!)