by We can’t deny the fact that Canon has absolutely a stunning history of innovative and advanced gear manufacturers. One of the most productive features with every lens is its in-built high-performer focusing motor.
STM and USM are generally the two popular types of Autofocus systems that are used by the Canon camera. These two AF systems are highly versatile and compatible with both DSLR and Mirrorless cameras.
Furthermore, these two variants have the smoothest and most accurate focusing performance making them ideally in-comparable to one another, granting quite the dilemma of picking one if you are considering a Canon purchase.
However, Not to worry anymore, because we are going to unfold every side of STM and USM lenses, giving you a proper head-to-head insight explaining which one is right to choose or which of them can affect or charm your photography. So, let’s get started.
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Know more about the Canon Focusing System
Canon has a brilliant history of producing intuitive digital appliances, known for the best focusing features. While the other brand’s focus stays put on mirrorless cameras, Canon is way ahead of the ages shaping DSLR’s advanced camera glass approach.
When Canon taps into capturing cinematic video with DSLR, they immediately pour their expertise into producing a reliable source of focus with better speed and performance.
The very first Electro-optical system focusing system was launched by Canon in the 1980s, but that wasn’t enough; so, in the 90s, the motorized approach arrived with USM and STM, changing the while focusing verdict of Canon glass. And that’s how the USM and STM lenses are born.
At the present date, Canon uses three focusing motor technology, STM, USM, and DC motor, each with its different technologies and advantages. So let’s have a closer look.
Canon STM Lens
Canon STM lenses are the ones that involve the engagement of the STM motor to process the whole professional-grade focus. STM is termed as a stepping motor and is designed with the sole motive of excellent photos and superior videos.
The focusing of this system uses the expertise of the stepping motor in order to focus smoother, better, and quieter. They are highly popular for making no sound during the video footage and keeping things natural. Also, they do have the tendency to capture the precise and finest details of incremental movements.
Type of STM Motor
On the basis of the responsive function; the STM motor focusing is differentiated into different types, including two different motors to work on
Gear Type STM – Gear Type STM lenses are usually the lightest and with a compact size configuration; this lens uses helical gears to drive and operate the whole focusing with a sustainable range.
Lead-Screw Type STM– As an upgrade, the lead-screw type STM lenses are the one that features a lead-screw type, indulged in providing better performance ranging from the highest speed and noise-free operations.
Major Highlights of STM Lenses
- Much Cheaper
- Beginner usage
- Better at Video
- Noise-free Operation
Canon USM lens
Canon USM lenses are the ones using the innovative competency of USM motors. USM is referred to as the ultrasonic motor, which was brought by Canon on board in the 1990s, and it became a famous big name for its precise intuitive Autofocusing.
These types of lenses use the USM motor, the one which is potent enough to convert the ultrasonic vibration into the rotational force, which eventually follows up to empower the lens to move.
They are unquestionably the fastest AF, but they might reflect noise in the process. So these lenses are great for dynamic subject shooting or the scenario with the fastest moving object, almost spontaneous.
Type of USM motor
Again, the lens using a USM motor is super functional with almost no limits; These USM motors have creative qualities, and based on that, they are categorized into three different types.
Micro USM– The micro USM is the one with the tiny littlest cheapskate, and that can be used in your regular filming everyday lens kit. They are highly affordable, but they can be extra noisy.
Ring-Type USM– Ring Type USM is one that uses ultrasonic energy to rotate the rings, dedicatedly to hold the focusing lens and create magnificent focusing. They are a bit noisy, easiest to operate, and ideal for photography.
Nano USM– these are the latest launch of the brand, which is known for the smoothest and silent operation as quickly as the ring type. They are sleekest with the best performance and built and at the top when it comes to future technology.
Major highlights of USM lenses
- Professional grade
- Better at still shooting
- Quicker operation
- Better build and durability
Let’s compare both: Which is better?
Stating the general curiosity, let’s stick to the fact that knowing each of the motors doesn’t clarify the fact which of them is better, do they? So with the means to deepest insight, let’s compare these both Effective, intuitive, and fruitful focusing systems of Canon and figure out which one of them is superior.
Motor– The Canon STM lenses use the effective Stepper motor for focusing operation; In contrast, the Canon USM lenses include the high-performer, professional-grade Ultrasonic Motor for autofocusing, which creatively uses the mechanical algorithm to work through.
Speed– Undoubtedly, Canon USM lenses are faster than the STM; they are designed to sense and act as quickly as possible almost immediately; which makes them perfect for action, wildlife, and nature dynamic subject filming.
Noise– STM lenses are the win in reference to the noise; they are up-to-date and have quieter counterparts when compared to USM lenses. This is another reason they are chosen best for videography.
Operation– the USM lens motor is designed differently; it is empowered to convert the ultrasonic vibration energy into a rotational force that moves the lens. They are constructed with the theory that if vibration frequencies are pushed on one of the two coupled rings, the other can find its way to rotate; this is why they are the fastest. STM lens motors are efficient, but they are focus-by-wire, and they don’t include any mechanical mechanism in designing or operating or motor.
Quality– USM lenses may be the fastest and most effective, but when it comes to quality, we all look forward to STM lenses. The focusing of STM lenses is smoothest with better quality, while the USM lens focusing can be blurriest and jerky sometimes.
Manual focusing– when it comes to manual focusing, nothing can beat the astonishingly intuitive focusing offered by Canon USM lenses. They use the focus ring and the focusing element to immediately respond to the focusing in the most mechanical way possible, while the STM can process slow manual focusing with the lack of mechanical coupling.
Price– Cost is the most dominant factor to consider, so Canon USM lenses are relatively more expensive than budget-friendly STM lenses. USM lenses have much higher features than STM, which explains the price, but if you are on a low budget, you can go for STM lenses.
Photo Type– USM lenses are the best way to go if we are discussing photography; they are the fastest, most professional, and offer better manual focusing with a special mechanical connection, which cannot be said for STM lenses. So yeah, USM lenses are the perfect fit for action, street, and wildlife photography.
Videography– In terms of quality videos, STM lenses can play a major part. They are potent enough to offer the smoothest, quietest focusing experience, a video with natural sound, While the USM lenses have a tendency to propose noises during focusing on the subject, which is bad for video.
Engineering– The USM lenses have the strongest and substantially rigid build quality, as they have been approached with industrial-grade material. Also, the outer lens structuring is weather-proofed and shields against other hazardous elements like dust, but STM lenses merely have this feature.
Which One Should I Choose?
So, after the long-detailed insight of the Canon USM lenses and Canon STM lenses, along with their specific characters and benefits, you are still facing the dilemma of choosing the right focus for your pictures. Just keep this in mind,
If you want the fastest, professionally better, most reliable building, greatest quality, and highest graded focusing, go for the USM lenses, but if you want the smoothest, noise-free, and affordable focusing system, STM is best.
Final words
It’s an essential fact that every photographer should be mindful about which lens should suit their camera, which glass they need, and what kind of focusing system will be perfect for filming.
If you are an old Canon user or a newcomer, you won’t be facing any trouble with the STM and USM focusing system of Canon, not after the brief description.
There is no right or wrong answer in this case; this isn’t the easiest decision, specifically when it comes to these two amazing AF systems created by Canon.
You must have already known by now that the USM AF is all about higher speed, and the STM AF is known for its smoothness. USM lenses are the best option for still-life photography, while STM lenses are best for videographers.
Understanding these differences helps you choose better, the film better, and conquer better. So have you chosen yet? Don’t forget to let us know.
