what does "L" mean?

[troyer16]

I hear people refer to "L" lenses and they seem very expensive haha. Anways whats the deal with these "L" lenses?

[René Damkot]

L stands for Luxury. And Lots of money. ;)
These are lenses with better built, and/or some "exotic" lens elements or constructions. Mostly better then comparable non-L.
(Not that any non-L is worse by definition though)

[pagnamenta]

L lenses are the best in the business, with the exception of primes. L lenses are the best way to go if possible and once you go, you'll be hard pressed to buy other lenses.

[prime]

Look for the red ring.

[20droger]

My opinion only...

L lenses are like Caddies, non-L are like Chevies. Of course, GM turns out lots and lots of "Chevrolacs." And so does Canon.

Some "L" lenses do not merit the designation. Some non-L lenses do.

Many, many great pictures have been taken with nary an L in sight. Witness Ansel Adams, who never owned an L lens. Also withness generations of National Geographic and other photographers before the advent of the L lens, or who didn't/don't use Canon equipment.

Likewise, many, many crap photos have been taken with L lenses.

The photographer takes the pictures. The camera and lens are just tools. A good photographer could take excellent pictures with a Brownie. A good SLR just makes it easier.

[august23]

Thats ironic 20droger. I own a Cadillac, AND L glass. Does that make me some kinda crazy mutated ultra photographer?

[Hawg Hanner]

Thats ironic 20droger. I own a Cadillac, AND L glass. Does that make me some kinda crazy mutated ultra photographer?

Crazy? Yes.

A photographer? No.

Any body who is going to sell all of his professional dSLR gear because he doesn't shoot a lot of photographs and will instead opt for a point-and-shoot camera is not a photographer at all.

[august23]

What about someone who sold all his gear to get even better gear so he can shoot the gigs he's got coming up plus his travels all summer long? Then is he a photographer? Or just completely insane? :p

[Hawg Hanner]

Then he is wise. But making the leap into the world of digital SLR photography and dropping serious change on professional grade gear and then regressing back to the Canon PowerShot SD600 doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

[august23]

Well it was a joke. ;) I assure you, I am not regressing. Although my SD800 is quite an amazing little toy.

[20droger]

Thats ironic 20droger. I own a Cadillac, AND L glass. Does that make me some kinda crazy mutated ultra photographer?
No, owning a Cadillac and L glass does not make you some kinda crazy mutated ultra photographer. You got there for other reasons.

[sugarzebra]

Thats ironic 20droger. I own a Cadillac, AND L glass. Does that make me some kinda crazy mutated ultra photographer?

Based on your avatar, I would say yes :D :D