Canon STM vs USM Lenses - Photography Project

Canon STM vs USM Lenses: A Detailed Comparison

The world of photography is ever-evolving, with technological advancements continuously shaping the way we capture images.

This article delves into the specifics of Canon’s STM (Stepping Motor Technology) and USM (Ultrasonic Motor) lenses, offering a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision when buying your next lens.

Pay special attention to the differences in use for videographers and photographers.

Modern manufacturers and camera designers are much more aware of the needs of video creators. The modern SLR is much more of a hybrid camera than it ever used to be and as such, you need to know how specific lenses are either going to aid or hinder you depending on your desire to shoot stills or video.

Understanding STM Lenses

STM lenses are a type of lens technology developed by Canon, known for their Stepping Motor Technology. This technology is particularly notable for its focus on providing smooth, quiet autofocus performance, making these lenses especially suitable for video recording as well as still photography. Here’s a detailed overview:

1. Technology Behind STM Lenses

Stepping Motor Technology: STM lenses use a stepping motor for autofocus. Unlike traditional motor systems, stepping motors move in discrete steps, allowing for more precise control. This results in smoother and quieter focusing movements.
Focus by Wire System: Many STM lenses utilize a ‘focus by wire’ system, where focusing adjustments are electronically transmitted, providing smoother manual focus adjustments.

2. Advantages of STM Lenses

Quiet Operation: One of the primary benefits of STM lenses is their quiet operation. The stepping motor minimizes focusing noise, which is crucial when recording videos where autofocus noise can be disruptive.
Smooth Autofocus Transition: These lenses offer a smoother transition of focus, which is particularly beneficial for video recording. It allows for a professional-looking focus shift that is less jarring than traditional autofocus mechanisms.
Improved Video Quality: The combination of quiet operation and smooth focusing transitions significantly enhances the quality of video recordings.
Good for Still Photography: While they are often highlighted for video, STM lenses are also very capable for still photography, offering precise and relatively quick autofocus.

3. Types of STM Lenses

Canon has developed a variety of STM lenses, ranging from wide-angle to telephoto, catering to a wide range of photographic needs. These include prime lenses, zoom lenses, and macro lenses, each benefiting from the smooth and quiet operation of the STM technology.

4. Compatibility

STM lenses are compatible with most of Canon’s DSLR and mirrorless camera lines. They are particularly well-suited for cameras with hybrid autofocus systems, which are commonly found in newer models.

5. Target Audience

These lenses are ideal for photographers and videographers who require a quiet and smooth autofocus, such as in wildlife photography, candid photography, and, most notably, in video production.

6. Limitations

While offering many advantages, STM lenses may not be as fast as some of Canon’s USM lenses, which might be a consideration for photographers specializing in fast-action or sports photography.

7. Cost and Availability

STM lenses are generally more affordable compared to some of the high-end USM lenses. This affordability, combined with their performance, makes them an attractive option for both amateurs and professionals.

In summary, STM lenses represent Canon’s commitment to providing technology that enhances both video and still photography. Their quiet and smooth operation makes them a favoured choice for videographers and photographers who value discretion and quality in their autofocus system.

Understanding USM Lenses

USM lenses are a category of autofocus lenses developed by Canon, utilizing Ultrasonic Motor technology. This technology is known for its fast and silent focusing capabilities, making USM lenses highly sought after by photographers who require quick and efficient autofocus, especially in fast-paced shooting environments. Here’s a detailed overview:

1. Technology Behind USM Lenses

Ultrasonic Motor (USM): The key feature of USM lenses is their use of an ultrasonic motor. This motor uses ultrasonic vibrations to drive the focusing mechanism, which allows for faster and more precise autofocus than traditional motor systems.
Types of USM Motors: Canon has developed several types of USM motors, including the Ring-Type USM, which is known for its speed and precision, and the Micro USM, which is more compact and typically found in smaller lenses.

2. Advantages of USM Lenses

Speed: USM lenses are renowned for their autofocus speed. This makes them ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as in sports or wildlife photography.
Quiet Operation: Despite their speed, USM motors operate very quietly. This makes USM lenses suitable for situations where noise could be a disturbance, such as during certain wildlife photography scenarios.
Precision: USM lenses offer high precision in autofocus, which is crucial for ensuring sharp images, particularly in scenarios with fast-moving subjects or in low-light conditions.
Manual Focus Override: Many USM lenses offer full-time manual focusing, allowing photographers to manually adjust focus without switching out of autofocus mode.

3. Types of USM Lenses

Canon’s range of USM lenses is extensive, covering everything from wide-angle to telephoto lenses. This includes prime lenses, zoom lenses, and specialty lenses, all benefiting from the rapid and precise autofocus capabilities of USM technology.

4. Compatibility

USM lenses are compatible with a wide range of Canon’s DSLR and mirrorless cameras. They are particularly advantageous for cameras that can leverage the speed and accuracy of the USM for superior autofocus performance.

5. Target Audience

USM lenses are favoured by professional and enthusiast photographers who require rapid autofocus for capturing dynamic scenes, such as in sports, action, or wildlife photography.

6. Limitations

While USM lenses are versatile, their focus on speed and precision might not be as necessary for photographers or videographers who prioritize other lens attributes, like smoother focus transitions for video.

7. Cost and Availability

USM lenses can vary in price, ranging from more affordable options to high-end professional lenses. The cost typically reflects the lens’s speed, build quality, and optical performance.

In summary, USM lenses represent Canon’s commitment to providing cutting-edge autofocus technology for photographers who need quick and precise focusing capabilities. Their fast, silent, and accurate autofocus makes them a popular choice for professional photographers and enthusiasts alike, particularly those engaged in capturing fast-paced action.

Comparative Analysis: STM vs USM When comparing the two, several factors stand out. STM lenses are generally quieter, which is crucial for video recording, while USM lenses focus faster, essential for action shots.

Aspect	STM Lenses	USM Lenses
Focus Mechanism	Stepping Motor Technology (STM)	Ultrasonic Motor (USM)
Main Feature	Smooth and quiet autofocus	Fast and precise autofocus
Noise Level	Very quiet, ideal for video recording	Quiet, less so than STM
Focus Speed	Generally slower than USM	Faster, suitable for action photography
Focus Transition	Smooth, beneficial for video recording	More abrupt, less noticeable in still photography
Manual Focus	Often focus by wire system	Full-time manual focus in most models
Ideal Use	Video recording, wildlife photography	Sports, action, wildlife photography
Price Range	Generally more affordable	Can range from affordable to high-end
Target Audience	Videographers, casual photographers	Professional photographers, sports photographers
Compatibility	Compatible with most Canon DSLRs and mirrorless	Compatible with most Canon DSLRs and mirrorless
Precision	Precise, but not as fast	Highly precise, especially in low light
Types Available	Wide-angle, macro, zoom, prime lenses	Wide-angle, macro, zoom, prime lenses
Autofocus Sound	Almost silent, ideal for quiet environments	Quiet but can be audible in very quiet settings
Manual Focus Override	Often available	Commonly available

1. Focus Mechanism

USM Lenses: Use an Ultrasonic Motor, which is known for its speed and accuracy in autofocus. The motor operates using ultrasonic vibrations, allowing for rapid focus adjustments.
STM Lenses: Equipped with a Stepping Motor that offers smoother and quieter autofocus transitions. The motor moves in discrete steps for more precise control.

2. Autofocus Performance

USM Lenses: Ideal for fast-paced and action photography. The quick autofocus helps capture sharp images in sports, wildlife, and event photography where subjects move rapidly.
STM Lenses: Better suited for video recording and scenarios where autofocus noise can be disruptive, such as during interviews, wildlife stalking, or when shooting documentaries.

3. Noise Level

USM Lenses: Although quiet, they can produce a slight noise during autofocus, which might be picked up by sensitive microphones during video recording.
STM Lenses: Near-silent autofocus makes them preferable for video production where lens noise must be minimized.

4. Manual Focus

USM Lenses: Often feature full-time manual focus override, allowing photographers to adjust focus manually without switching out of autofocus mode.
STM Lenses: Typically offer a ‘focus by wire’ system, where manual focus adjustments are electronically transmitted, providing a smoother manual focus experience.

5. Specific Scenarios

Action Photography (Sports, Wildlife): USM lenses excel here due to their faster autofocus, capturing crisp images of fast-moving subjects.
Video Production: STM lenses are superior for video work. Their smooth and quiet focus transitions ensure that autofocus operation does not disrupt audio recording or the flow of the video.
Portrait and Street Photography: Both lens types can perform well, but STM lenses might have an edge due to their quieter operation, which is less likely to disturb the subject or the environment.
Low Light Photography: USM lenses, with their quick and precise focusing, are more effective in low light conditions where focusing speed and accuracy are crucial.

6. Price and Availability

USM Lenses: Tend to have a wide price range, from affordable to professional-grade options.
STM Lenses: Generally more budget-friendly, making them accessible to hobbyists and amateur videographers.

7. Conclusion

In summary, the choice between USM and STM lenses largely depends on the specific needs and scenarios of the photographer or videographer. For fast, precise autofocus in dynamic and challenging environments, USM lenses are the preferred choice. On the other hand, for videographers or photographers working in quieter settings where the noise of autofocus could be an issue, STM lenses offer significant advantages. Both types, however, provide excellent image quality and performance, each excelling in their specialized areas.

Update – Nano USM

In 2016, Canon introduced Nano USM technology, which is slightly different to regular USM.

One can only assume they did this to be able to move the tech forward in line with what they wanted to achieve with the native RF lenses.

Nano USM is Canon’s autofocus (AF) motor technology that combines the high-speed performance of their Ultrasonic Motor (USM) with the smooth and quiet operation of their Stepping Motor (STM). Introduced in 2016, Nano USM is designed to deliver fast, precise, and near-silent focusing, making it ideal for both photography and videography.

Unlike traditional USM systems that convert ultrasonic vibrations into rotational movement, Nano USM utilizes a direct-drive mechanism. This system employs ultrasonic vibrations to move a slider, which in turn adjusts the lens elements linearly. This design allows for rapid and smooth focus transitions, enhancing responsiveness and reducing operational noise.

The compact size and efficiency of Nano USM motors enable their integration into various lens types, including compact zoom lenses.

EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM
RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

By integrating Nano USM technology, Canon lenses offer photographers and videographers enhanced focusing capabilities, balancing speed, precision, and quiet operation to meet the demands of various shooting scenarios.

Here’s a quick comparison of the three to keep the article up to date:

1. Nano USM

Speed: Very fast, comparable to regular USM, making it suitable for fast-moving subjects in photography.
Noise: Extremely quiet, making it ideal for videography as well as photography.
Smoothness: Provides very smooth transitions, useful in video where sudden focus shifts can be distracting.
Applications: Combines the speed of regular USM with the quiet, smooth focusing of STM. Found in lenses like the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.

2. Regular USM (Ultrasonic Motor)

Speed: Typically very fast, making it the go-to choice for professional sports and wildlife photographers.
Noise: Can produce more noise compared to Nano USM, though still quieter than many autofocus systems.
Smoothness: Not as smooth as STM or Nano USM, so it’s not ideal for video when focusing transitions need to be subtle.
Applications: Suited for high-speed shooting situations, common in Canon’s high-end L-series lenses.

3. STM (Stepping Motor)

Speed: Moderate; not as fast as Nano USM or regular USM, but still effective for general photography.
Noise: Very quiet, almost silent, which is perfect for video recording.
Smoothness: Smooth focusing transitions, ideal for videography and casual photography where speed is less critical.
Applications: Popular in lenses aimed at entry-level to mid-range photographers who want versatility in both photos and videos, like the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM.

Summary

Nano USM: Best for those needing fast, quiet, and smooth focus for both photo and video.
Regular USM: Optimal for high-speed photography with emphasis on speed over quietness and smoothness.
STM: Great for video and casual photography with smooth, quiet, but slower focus transitions.

FAQs

1. What is the main difference between STM and USM lenses?

The main difference lies in their autofocus mechanisms. STM (Stepping Motor) lenses utilize a stepping motor that enables smooth and nearly silent autofocus, making them ideal for video recording. USM (Ultrasonic Motor) lenses, on the other hand, use an ultrasonic motor known for its speed and precision in autofocus, which is more suitable for quickly capturing still images, particularly in fast-paced scenarios like sports or wildlife photography.

2. Are STM lenses better for video than USM lenses?

Yes, generally speaking, STM lenses are often considered better for video recording. This is because STM lenses focus more quietly and smoothly, which is beneficial for maintaining the quality of audio recording and the smoothness of visual focus transitions in video. USM lenses, while excellent in quick autofocus, can create a slight noise and more abrupt focus changes, which might be noticeable in videos.

3. Can I use USM lenses for wildlife photography?

Absolutely. USM lenses are highly suitable for wildlife photography. Their quick autofocus capability is a significant advantage in capturing fast-moving wildlife. The precision and speed of USM lenses ensure that you can get sharp, clear images of animals in motion or in challenging environments.

4. How does the price compare between STM and USM lenses?

The price of STM and USM lenses can vary widely depending on the specific lens model, focal length, and features. Generally, STM lenses are positioned as more budget-friendly and are often less expensive than USM lenses. However, there are also high-end USM lenses that are significantly more expensive, catering to professional-grade equipment needs. It’s important to compare individual lenses within the context of your specific requirements and budget.

5. Are there any compatibility issues with certain Canon cameras?

- Both STM and USM lenses are designed to be compatible with a wide range of Canon cameras, especially their DSLR and mirrorless line-ups. However, to fully utilize the features and capabilities of these lenses, it’s crucial to pair them with camera bodies that support their technology. For example, certain advanced autofocus features of USM lenses may be better leveraged with higher-end or more recent Canon camera models. Similarly, for optimal video recording with STM lenses, pairing them with Canon cameras that have good video capabilities is advisable. It’s always a good idea to check the compatibility of the lens with your specific camera model before purchasing.