Why should I buy an EF-S Lens?

I own a Canon 5D MKII and a 7D, and I have been shooting Canon equipment for 15 years. I have never purchased an EF-S lens, since I could see no reason to purchase a lens that would not fit a full frame camera. That said, I wonder if there is any good reason to purchase an EF-S lens for my 7D. I guess I'm wondering if there is something I'm missing by avoiding EF-S lenses?

I own the following: 17-40 f4L, 70-200 f4L, 50 f1.8, 24mm T/S II, 90mm T/S,
180mm 3.5L Macro, 500mm f4L

Most people buy EF-S lenses when they own only a 1.6X format body and the EF-S lens fills a need that no EF lenses can cover.

For example, the EF-S 10-22 offers ultra-wide angle coverage on 1.6X. For you however, the EF 17-40 on your 5D gives about the same FOV and so there is no point for you to buy the EF-S 10-22.

I can't really think of any EF-S lenses that I'd probably buy if I owned both formats. In all cases I'd just get an EF lens that covers the desired range on the 5D and then use it on the 1.6X as needed.

You have 2 bodies, a good thing. Woudl you ever buy a lens that only worked on one of them? Many peope might. Specialized tools. So, if there was an ef-s lens that did something you needed......

gasrocks wrote in post #12239505
You have 2 bodies, a good thing. Woudl you ever buy a lens that only worked on one of them? Many peope might. Specialized tools. So, if there was an ef-s lens that did something you needed......

Yes, but almost all EF-S lenses can be matched or bettered by EF alternates on FF.

EF-S 17-55 < EF 24-105L on FF
EF-S 10-22 = EF 17-40L on FF
EF-S 15-85 > EF 28-135 on FF
EF-S 60 Macro < EF 100/2.8 Macro
EF-S 55-250 > EF 70-300 IS

A few of those EF-S lenses are nicer than their EF (on FF) counterparts. But none of them call out to me as real specialized items.

JeffreyG wrote in post #12239528
Yes, but almost all EF-S lenses can be matched or bettered by EF alternates on FF.

EF-S 17-55 < EF 24-105L on FF
EF-S 10-22 = EF 17-40L on FF
EF-S 15-85 > EF 28-135 on FF
EF-S 60 Macro < EF 100/2.8 Macro
EF-S 55-250 > EF 70-300 IS

A few of those EF-S lenses are nicer than their EF (on FF) counterparts. But none of them call out to me as real specialized items.

I'm thinking he was referring to specializing to the 7d. And you compare the lenses to the ef on ff...from what I read and the reviews...little combos beat the 7d and 17-55 efs

Otherwise what is the point of even having the 7d if you don't have the tools that serve it best...u might as well just use the 5dii

also comes down to price. for many hobbyists on budget you can't beat the value for the kit lens and 55-250.

nikesupremedunk wrote in post #12239559
also comes down to price. for many hobbyists on budget you can't beat the value for the kit lens and 55-250.

Just sold my kit and got a siggy 17-70 hopefully I won't regret it

Mary Konchar wrote in post #12239472
...I wonder if there is any good reason to purchase an EF-S lens for my 7D. I guess I'm wondering if there is something I'm missing by avoiding EF-S lenses?

You are missing the amazing 17-55IS... It is in a class by itself for Canon crop users.

I have even heard of people who own nice lenses and only use a crop body. OK, I only have one ef-s.

JeffreyG wrote in post #12239528
Yes, but almost all EF-S lenses can be matched or bettered by EF alternates on FF.

EF-S 17-55 < EF 24-105L on FF
EF-S 10-22 = EF 17-40L on FF
EF-S 15-85 > EF 28-135 on FF
EF-S 60 Macro < EF 100/2.8 Macro
EF-S 55-250 > EF 70-300 IS

A few of those EF-S lenses are nicer than their EF (on FF) counterparts. But none of them call out to me as real specialized items.

In the first four comparisons the EF-s lens is nicer than the EF lens.

JustinRageth wrote in post #12239553
Otherwise what is the point of even having the 7d if you don't have the tools that serve it best...u might as well just use the 5dii

I only purchased the 7D to use with the 500mm lens while photographing wildlife, but I have found it to be useful for macro (more depth of field). It also gives me more versatility with the T/S lenses. For example, it equates approximately 38mm and 53mm with the 24mm T/S lens (53mm with the 1.4 TC).

gasrocks wrote in post #12239597
I have even heard of people who own nice lenses and only use a crop body. OK, I only have one ef-s.

Yea, me too I got the 17-85 IS with a XT kit and got lucky with it being real sharp .
I have a 400 5.6 L and 70-200f4L IS that works super with a crop and a 50 1.4 .
Now just need the stock to be replenished in Japan to get a 7D

JustinRageth wrote in post #12239553
Otherwise what is the point of even having the 7d if you don't have the tools that serve it best...u might as well just use the 5dii

Yes, but it's not just the lenses though. 7D has strengths were it is lacking on the 5Dc and II. The two different bodies can complement one another.

The one thing that the EF lenses can't match is the zoom range. That's why I own a few crop lenses. Juggling lenses between FF/1.3x/1.6x bodies is a chore.