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00:00:00 – 00:11:09
The video provides an in-depth analysis of Canon's various focusing motor mechanisms, particularly STM (Stepper Motor) and USM (Ultrasonic Motor) technologies, discussing their history, functionalities, and ideal applications. Canon's innovation journey began in 1987 with inbuilt focusing motors, and over time, it introduced multiple motor types: the conventional DC motor, STM, and USM.
STM lenses, launched in 2012, offer smooth and silent autofocus, particularly beneficial for video recording. In contrast, USM lenses, first appearing in the 1980s, prioritize rapid focus speed, making them suitable for fast-moving subjects like sports photography. There are several types of USM lenses: Ring Type USM provides fast and precise focus for larger lenses, Micro USM is quieter but tends to compromise on accuracy, and Nano USM combines the benefits of both speed and smooth operation.
Each lens type has specific strengths: Ring Type USM is ideal for high-end gear with significant precision requirements, Micro USM for more affordable setups, and STM for videography due to its silent operation. The video also touches on the Canon L Series lenses, which often incorporate USM features but are distinct due to their high-quality standards. Ultimately, the choice between these lenses hinges on individual needs, such as budget, the necessity for quick or silent focusing, and the type of photography or videography practiced. Canon's developments cater to a wide range of users from amateurs to professionals, illustrating the importance of selecting the appropriate lens technology for specific photographic demands.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter delves into the differences between Canon’s STM and USM lens focusing motor mechanisms. Canon has a rich history of innovation in camera gear, starting its journey with inbuilt focusing motors in 1987. They highlight the introduction and development of three types of focusing motors: STM (Stepper Motor), USM (Ultrasonic Motor), and the conventional DC type motor. STM technology, introduced in 2012, offers a compact and versatile solution for photographers. In contrast, USM lenses, first introduced in the 1980s, provide superior autofocus speed, making them ideal for fast-moving subjects, especially in sports and action photography. The segment emphasizes the significance of choosing the right lens type based on the specific photographing needs, whether it’s for swift focus acquisition, silent operation, or manual control.
00:03:00
In this segment, the video discusses Canon’s four types of USM lenses, emphasizing their respective advantages and disadvantages. The types are:
1. **Ring Type USM**: High-end, expensive lenses offering fast and precise autofocus, ideal for larger and heavier lens groups. They feature a mechanical focus indicator drive and are commonly used in Canon’s L Series.
2. **Micro USM**: These lenses use gears for focus, making the motor quieter but adding noise and reducing accuracy compared to ring type. They are used in more affordable, amateur gear with simpler optical designs.
The speaker explains how these two types are fast and sharp, making them suitable for action scenes but potentially too sharp for video recording.
To address smooth autofocus in videos and cost-effectiveness, Canon developed the **STM (Stepping Motor) System**, known for smoother but slower AF movement. STM lenses don’t have rotating rings and use LCDs for indication due to their design simplicity.
3. **Nano USM**: Combines the strengths of USM and STM, requiring power to focus, similar to STM lenses, without physical connection to the focusing ring.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the differences between STM and USM lens technologies, focusing on their construction, performance, and best use cases. STM lenses use stepper motors to achieve smooth and nearly silent focusing, making them ideal for video work. In contrast, USM lenses use ultrasonic motors that offer faster focusing but at the cost of noise, which is more suitable for photography, especially in action shots. The video highlights that USM lenses, while faster, tend to be more expensive and heavier than STM lenses due to their complex technology. Additionally, different types of USM lenses are mentioned, including ring type, micro, and nano USM, each with specific advantages.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the differences between micro USM and ring type USM lenses, emphasizing that while micro USM lenses are slightly cheaper and quieter, ring type USM lenses offer quicker focusing, which is crucial for certain types of photography. The choice between these lenses depends on individual photography needs and budget. The speaker also mentions DC motors used in non-USM or non-STM lenses, noting that while they are less efficient than stepper motors, they provide a cost-effective solution. Additionally, for still or portrait photography, investing in USM or STM lenses might not be necessary as these types do not require quick or silent focusing. The segment also introduces the Canon L Series lenses, identified by a red stripe, clarifying that L Series and USM are not synonymous but some L Series lenses do include USM features. The speaker invites viewers to share their thoughts on Canon gear and their preferences between USM and STM lenses in the comments section.