Canon FD lenses were introduced in 1971 for Canon’s manual-focus SLRs (like the AE-1 and A-1), and today they’re popular for both film and adapted mirrorless use (note: not easily adaptable to DSLRs without extra optical adapters).
They have a great reputation for build quality and optical performance.
First, let’s break down the two main types of FD lenses:
FD vs. New FD
- FD (first generation): breech-lock mount, recognizable by the silver locking ring. All-metal construction, heavier, with a reputation for exceptional mechanical build. What they look like (imgur)
- New FD (aka nFD or FDn): bayonet-style mount that rotates like modern lenses. Plastic-bodied but optically excellent. All New FD lenses feature Canon’s improved S.S.C. coating. What they look like (imgur)
- In most cases, either version is fine, but nFD versions tend to be more convenient (more compact, easier to mount) unless you prefer all-metal.
SC vs. SSC? S.C. stands for Spectra Coating, while S.S.C. means Super Spectra Coating — a multi-coating introduced in the mid-70s.
While there’s technically better flare resistance in S.S.C. lenses, the real-world difference is often negligible unless you’re shooting into the sun.
Most nFD lenses use S.S.C. or equivalent multi-coating, though some may not be labeled.
I’ve narrowed down the 130+ different FD lenses to just 19 primes and 3 zooms. Let’s start with the wide primes:
Wide Angle Primes
Note: all prices are in US Dollars.
| Lens | Summary | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Canon FD 20mm f/2.8 (FD or nFD) |
Sharp in the center even wide open, but needs f/8–f/11 for edge-to-edge sharpness. Slight vignetting and some distortion. Strong performer at this focal length. | 300 |
| Canon nFD 24mm f/2.8 | Compact and light. Sharp center wide open, great across the frame at f/8–f/11. Poor flare resistance, but a huge bargain. | 100 |
| Canon FD 28mm f/2 (FD or nFD) |
An excellent fast wide-angle lens with cinematic rendering. Has more character and contrast than the 2.8 version.
FD (SSC) version: classic look, heavier, premium feel. Expensive because of its popularity with cinematographers. nFD version: more affordable, lighter, just as good optically in most use cases! |
400 (SSC) or 120 (nFD) |
| Kiron 28mm f/2 (FD) | Optically excellent. A hidden gem. Watch for lens separation or focus ring stiffness. | 70 |
| Canon FD 28mm f/2.8 (FD or nFD) |
Compact and affordable. Good sharpness at f/8, though corners stay a bit soft. Lightweight walkaround lens. | 100 |
| Canon nFD 35mm f/2 | A legendary FD lens. Razor-sharp center wide open; best across frame at f/8. Great microcontrast and 8-blade bokeh. A must-have. | 230 |
| Canon nFD 35mm f/2.8 | Budget-friendly. Sharp in the center, decent stopped down. Lacks character but gets the job done well for the price. | 120 |
Normal Primes
| Lens | Summary | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 (FD or nFD) |
Smooth focus throw, solid sharpness from f/2, and excellent at f/5.6. The nFD has slightly better handling and longer focus throw (favored by video shooters) | 75 |
| Canon nFD 50mm f/1.8 | The best starter lens in the FD world. Tiny, sharp stopped down, but lower contrast and harsh bokeh wide open. Still a bargain. | 40 |
| Canon FD 50mm f/3.5 Macro (FD or nFD) |
1:2 macro (1:1 with extension). Great sharpness across the frame by f/5.6–f/8. Ideal for product/detail work. Often overlooked. | 50 |
| Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 SSC (FD) |
A fast lens at a great price. Slight glow wide open; contrast improves by f/2. Hefty, with characterful rendering. |
200 |
Not sure where to start? The nFD 50mm F1.8 is an easy pick!
Telephoto Primes
| Lens | Summary | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 (FD or nFD) |
Excellent portrait lens. Sharpens up by f/2.8, smooth bokeh, compact form factor. A sleeper in the Canon lineup. | 260 |
| Tokina AT-X 90mm f/2.5 Macro | aka the “Bokina.” A cult classic. Insane sharpness, beautiful bokeh. 1:2 macro natively (1:1 with matched extender). One of the best legacy macros ever made. | 140 |
| Canon nFD 100mm f/2.8 | Very sharp, small and lightweight for a 100mm. Excellent color and contrast. A superb budget portrait lens. | 120 |
| Canon FD 100mm f/4 Macro (FD or nFD) |
Sharp and color-neutral. Goes to 1:1 with an extension tube. The f/4 aperture makes it less appealing for portraiture, but it’s fantastic for macro stills and product video. | 70 |
| Canon FD 135mm f/2.5 S.C. (FD or nFD) |
Smooth rendering, softish wide open but cleans up nicely. A good portrait option. | 90 |
| Canon nFD 135mm f/2.8 | Better value than the f/3.5. Usable wide open, sharper at f/5.6. Some chromatic aberration, but excellent bokeh. | 60 |
| Canon FD 135mm f/3.5 (FD or nFD) |
Super compact and lightweight, especially the nFD version. Sharp even wide open. If you’re building an ultra-light kit or want a solid long lens on a tight budget, it’s worth grabbing. | 40 |
| Canon nFD 200mm f/4 | Sharp wide open, compact for its focal length. Internal focusing (nFD version) makes it easier to handle. Slight purple fringing in high contrast situations. | 80 |
Zoom Lenses
| Lens | Summary | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Canon nFD 35–105mm f/3.5 Macro | Sharp across most of the range. Solid build and macro switch make it great for all-around use. Surprisingly underrated. | 100 |
| Canon nFD 70–210mm f/4 | Decent all-round telephoto zoom. Sharp at the wide end, softens a bit toward 210mm. Good handling and colors. | 50 |
| Vivitar Series 1 70–210mm f/3.5 | Excellent image quality and macro capabilities (1:2.2). Heavy but versatile. Early versions by Kiron are best (Check serial number — ’22’ prefix = Kiron) | 75 |
With these lenses, you can build a superb manual-focus kit on a budget — whether for vintage film shooting or modern mirrorless video.
Canon FD Lens Video Kits
Here are five recommended kits based on different priorities: budget and performance, both adaptable to mirrorless (e.g. Sony E, Canon R, Micro Four Thirds, etc.)
💸 Budget Kit ($~380 total)
- Canon nFD 28mm F2.8
- Canon nFD 35mm f/2.8
- Canon nFD 50mm f/1.8
- Canon nFD 100mm f/2.8
Jumping one level higher, we get the first “proper” filmmaking kit:
🧠 Value Kit (~$650)
- Canon nFD 24mm f/2.8
- Canon nFD 35mm f/2
- Canon nFD 50mm f/1.4
- Canon nFD 85mm f/1.8
💡 Optional: add nFD 20mm F2.8 and/or 135mm F2.5 SC as needed.
🎬 Performance Kit (~$1,400)
- Canon nFD 24mm f/2 (~$450)
- Canon 35mm f/2 SSC Concave (~$500)
- Canon 55mm f/1.2 SSC (~$200)
- Canon nFD 85mm f/1.8 (~260)
After this point, diminishing returns really start kicking in.
🎥 The “Auteur” Kit (~$4,500)
- Canon nFD 24mm f/1.4 L (~$2500)
- Canon 35mm f/2 SSC Concave (~$500)
- Canon nFD 50mm f/1.2 L (~$700)
- Canon nFD 85mm f/1.2 L (~$800)
But wait, there’s more…
👽 The “K35 Lite” Kit (~$15,500)
These lenses are optical “cousins” of the infamous K35 lenses (used on productions such as Aliens and Barry Lyndon):
- 24mm f/1.4 S.S.C. Aspherical ($10,000)
- 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical ($2,000)
- 85mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical ($3,500)
Note: these are absolute bargains compared to what the actual K35 set (18,24,35,55,85) goes for these days ($300,000)!
Tips for maximizing cinematic rendering with FD lenses:
- Shoot wide open or slightly stopped down,
- Use vintage diffusion filters (e.g., Black Pro Mist, Tiffen Satin)
- Grade in post to lift shadows and pull back contrast
- Adapt them to full-frame sensors (to get the same field of view)
Links and Resources
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