[With Sample Photos] High-Resolution Body x Pancake Lens - EOS 5Ds + EF 40mm F2.8 STM

Hello everyone!

This time, I would like to introduce what I shot with the combination of the CANON EOS 5Ds and the EF-mount pancake lens EF40mm F2.8, along with sample photos.

First, the 5Ds is a high-resolution camera with a 50.6MP full-frame sensor, which is still the highest pixel count among commercially available consumer SLRs. The 5Ds has a sister model, the 5DsR, which has its low-pass filter canceled (for those who want more sense of resolution), and since the two effectively carry the same sensor, I suppose they are tied for first place. Nikon's high-resolution models are the D8XX series, but even the last of them, the D850, has 45.75MP, which falls a step short in catalog pixel count. On Sony's side, even in the mirrorless α7R series, every model except the IV and V has fewer pixels than the 5Ds. Of course, pixel count is not everything, but it remains popular as a one-of-a-kind model.

The lens I chose to pair with that camera this time is the EF40mm F2.8 STM, one of the few pancake lenses in the EF mount. Built with compactness as its main focus, this lens looks ordinary on paper but is very appealing. Stopped down it resolves well, and near wide open it renders a little soft, which gives it an old-lens-like look. And although you can enjoy both of those looks, with a length of 22.8mm and a weight of 130g it feels almost as if nothing is attached, considering the weight of the camera.

It can focus reasonably close, down to 0.3m, and the background blur is not too busy, so it is truly an all-rounder. The AF is a little slow, but it is unlikely to be a problem for ordinary shooting. MF can of course be used as well, so switching to MF is one option in situations where focus speed is a concern.

When you put a lens like this on a high-resolution camera, flaws often show up, but this lens gives characterful rendering rather than flaws, if anything. An acquaintance of mine uses it on a GFX with an AF-capable mount adapter, and he says there is almost no vignetting. The quality of this rendering may also be related to the generous image circle. Optical instruments, not just lenses, are basically designed so that resolution rises toward the center. By making the image circle wide, you can use the higher-resolution part, in other words the sweet spot of the lens.

Distant views are also rendered crisply and clearly, which feels great. Perhaps thanks to its aspherical element, it delivers this much even though it is an inexpensive lens. Combined with its light weight, I feel that just owning one of these considerably widens your range of shooting.

"Light is right," as they say: a weight that feels like nothing is attached, a compact size, and this rendering on top of it. Personally, this is the first lens I recommend in the EF mount. From other manufacturers, you will not find this size, this performance and this cost performance. As expected of Canon, I sense a strong will not to compromise even on inexpensive lenses.

Now, I would love for you to pick up the Canon EOS 5Ds and EF 40mm f2.8 STM and try them for yourself!

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View all CANON EOS 5Ds products here

View all CANON EF 40mm F2.8 STM products here