Canon EF vs. Nikon F
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
The Canon EF Mount (introduced in 1987 for the EOS autofocus SLR system) revolutionized photographic camera design as the first 100% all-electronic lens mount, eliminating all mechanical aperture linkages and autofocus drive shafts. Featuring a 44.0 mm Flange Focal Distance and a large 54.0 mm throat diameter, over 150 million EF lenses were manufactured over 33 years.
The Nikon F-Mount (introduced in 1959 with the legendary Nikon F SLR) is one of the most storied lens mounts in photographic history, maintaining a continuous 46.5 mm Flange Focal Distance and 44.0 mm throat diameter for over 60 years. Spanning non-AI manual lenses to modern electronic-diaphragm AF-S/AF-E glass, over 100 million F-mount lenses were produced.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Flange Focal Distance (FFD)
|
44.00 mm (1.732 in) | 46.50 mm (1.831 in — longest FFD among major 35mm SLR mounts) |
|
Inner Throat Diameter
|
54.00 mm (2.126 in) | 44.00 mm (1.732 in) |
|
Bayonet Tabs
|
3 locking tabs with clockwise twist | 3 locking tabs with counter-clockwise twist (opposite of Canon/Sony) |
|
Camera Systems
|
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS 6D II, EOS Rebel series, Cinema EOS C300/C500 | Nikon F, F3, FM2, F5 (film), Nikon D850, D780, D6, D7500, D500 (digital DSLRs) |
|
Electronic Interface
|
8 gold-plated electronic contacts (expanded to 11 pins on EF super-telephoto lenses for teleconverters) | — |
|
Internal Actuators
|
Internal USM (Ultrasonic Motor) in lens body + internal electromagnetic aperture diaphragm (EMD) | — |
|
Variants
|
EF (Full Frame), EF-S (APS-C with rubber bumper back-focus extension), EF-M (discontinued APS-C mirrorless) | — |
|
Historical Generations
|
— | Non-AI (1959) -> AI (1977) -> AI-S (1981) -> AF screw-drive (1986) -> AF-D (1992) -> AF-S Silent Wave (1998) -> AF-E Electronic diaphragm (2010s) |
|
Aperture Control History
|
— | Spring-loaded mechanical stop-down lever (moved to electromagnetic diaphragm in 'E' lenses) |