List of Canon Nano USM Lenses

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List of Canon Nano USM Lenses

27 September 2020

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I was unable to find a list of Canon’s Nano USM lenses, so I thought I would create one. Nano USM (ultrasonic motor) is Canon’s latest generation of lens motors, combining the speed of USM motors with the silent action of their STM motors. If you’ve heard news of a new Nano USM lens and I haven’t listed it, please let me know below.

See further below for a Nano USM vs STM video comparison and some history on Nano USM lenses.

EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS USM

Pricing

The Canon 18-135mm IS USM was released in March, 2016, as the improved version of the previous Canon 18-135mm IS STM lens. Generally regarded as an upgrade to the normal 18-55mm IS STM kit lens, the 18-135mm IS USM features the new Nano USM as well as the ability to be used with the Canon PZ-E1 zoom adapter. This lens has received generally positive feedback for being an “all-rounder”, especially for those looking to get into DSLR video-making. Note that this lens has an EF-S mount, meaning it will work on Canon APS-C cameras, but not full frame ones.

Specifications

Focal range: 18-135mm
Aperture range: f/3.5-5.6
Mount: EF-S (APS-C)
Image stabilisation: Yes
Motor: Nano USM
Weight: 515g
Released: March 2016
Official page: Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS USM

EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM

Pricing

The Canon 70-300mm ISM II USM was released in September, 2016, replacing the previous version, the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. Unlike most other lenses, the Nano USM version of the 70-300mm has an LCD screen, which provides the user various information about the shooting environment. Such factors include:

Focusing distance
Focal length
Camera shake amount

as well as having the ability to reverse its black and white display pixels depending on the user’s preference. Note that this lens has an EF mount, meaning it will work on both APS-C and full frame cameras by Canon.

Specifications

Focal range: 70-300mm
Aperture range: f/4-5.6
Mount: EF (Full frame and APS-C)
Image stabilisation: Yes
Motor: Nano USM
Weight: 710g
Released: September 2016
Official page: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM

RF 24-105 F4L IS USM

Canon RF 24-105mm IS USM

Pricing

Announced in September 2018, the RF 24-105mm features the Nano USM autofocus motor. The lens is designed in-part for videographers, with a constant f/4 aperture that can be controlled in 1/8th EV steps, image stabilisation and minimal focus breathing.

The lens features Canon’s new RF mount, debuting on its first full-frame mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS R.

Specifications

Focal range: 24-105mm
Aperture: f/4
Mount: RF
Image stabilisation: Yes
Motor: Nano USM
Weight: 700g
Released: September 2018
Official page: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 IS USM

RF 24-240mm f4-6.3 IS USM Lens

RF 24-240mm f4-6.3 IS USM

Pricing

Designed to be more of an “all-in-one”, “superzoom” lens, or something that will come in a kit, the RF 24-240mm f4-6.3 IS USM represents more of an affordable option in the current RF lens line-up. With image stabilisation and de-clicked aperture blades, the RF 24-240 appears to be aimed at video-makers.

Specifications

Focal range: 24-240mm
Aperture: f/4-6.3
Mount: RF
Filter size: 72mm
Image stabilisation: Yes (5 stops)
Motor: Nano USM
Weight: 750g
Released: September 2019
Official page: Canon RF 24-240mm f4-6.3 IS USM

RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

Pricing

The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM was the first Canon lens to feature two Nano USM motors. Canon’s EF 70-200 lenses have historically been the ones that many photographers will build the rest of their kit around, due to the constant wide aperture, large range and excellent optical quality. One major difference from its predecessors, however, is it’s smaller length, achieved by introducing an extendible

Specifications

Focal range: 70-200mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Mount: RF
Image stabilisation: Yes
Motor: Nano USM (x2)
Weight: 1070g (without tripod mount)
Released:
Official page: Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM

Pricing

Specifications

Focal range: 15-35mm
Aperture range: f/2.8
Mount: RF
Image stabilisation: Yes (5 stops)
Motor: Nano USM
Weight: 840g
Released:
Official page: Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM

RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM

Pricing

Specifications

Focal range: 24-70mm
Aperture range: f/2.8
Mount: RF
Image stabilisation: Yes (5 stops)
Motor: Nano USM
Weight: 900g
Released:
Official page: Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM

RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM

Information on the RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM will be published at a later date.

Pricing

TBA

Specifications

Focal range: 70-200mm
Aperture range: f/4
Mount: RF
Image stabilisation: Yes (5-7.5 stops, depending on camera)
Motor: Nano USM
Weight: 695g
Released:
Official page: Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM

Nano USM Lenses Background Information

Canon USM vs Canon STM Speed

Canon produced a quick video which demonstrates how fast the Nano USM auto-focus speed is versus the STM motor in the 18-135mm lens.

It would be interesting to see the difference in other Nano USM lenses.

History of Nano USM Development

Nano USM was developed as a challenge for Canon to combine the auto-focus speed of its USM motors with the quiet action of its STM motors. The motor itself is surprisingly small, and works using vibration along the length of the lens to extend or contract the focusing elements. The official video below shows more about how this works:

Supported Auto-Focus Systems

Only certain Canon cameras work with Nano USM lenses for its intended smooth video performance. These cameras include those with Canon’s Hybrid AF or Dual-Pixel AF systems.

More information

For more information about Canon’s Nano USM lenses, check out the following links:

STM vs USM Lenses
What’s New: Nano USM – A New Ultrasonic Motor Technology, by Rudy Wintson at Canon

List of Canon Nano USM Lenses