What exactly is an "L" lense?

[metsuyan]

I have noticed that some of cannon's lenses are designated with an "L" in the model number and have noticed many referneces on this board at to them.

Can someone please elaborate a bit?

Thanks again.....

[Belmondo]

According to Canon, L stands for Luxury.
In truth, L lenses are their professionaly quality optics. They are better made, use better materials and coatings, and are usually (though not always) better performing than less expensive lenses.

[LazyPhotographer]

A luxurious, lustrous lens to love... Without it, life is listless and lonely. :-)

[metsuyan]

Thanks for the technical & poetic insight respectively :)

[gramps]

L stands for the lightining fast speed your credit cards melt when you get the L addiction.

[Andy_T]

Some features that L lenses are supposed to have, if I remember reading the forum posts correctly

- very solid build quality
- weather sealed (there are exceptions!)
- sharp and without CA wide open

Best regards,
Andy

[cactusclay]

It's shaped like an L, so you can get that otherwise impossible shot around corners of buildings.



Sorry, I couldn't resist

[Citizensmith]

Yup, Ls are a good thing. Improved optics, better build, better components. I'm not really sure there is any one thing that defines an L any longer but it can mean the following things.
Ring-USM focus motor with FTM
Weather Sealing
Exotic lenses (flourite or UD glass)
Fast (often f/2.8 )
Includes hood, and case
Of course all these things also occur in some non L lenses.

Your best bet is to decide how much you want to afford, what kind of range you want to cover, and then come back here. You are sure to get plenty of advice.

[hmhm]

It's a "marketing designator" that Canon applies to its high-end lens models.
-harry

[Canuck]

A luxurious, lustrous lens to love... Without it, life is listless and lonely. :-)

Lazy is a poet and didn't know-it! :lol: :rolleyes:

[Mogwyth]

L the lens most people think they want, but can't realy afford and probably don't need and for most part can't rationaly justify, but they get them anyway and then post on dp amazingly sharp but poorly exposed/composed pictures of dog/cat/kids etc etc saying guess what I brought.:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Jesper]

Canon's own explanation can be found on the Canon EF Lenses website:
http://www.usa.canon.com/html/eflenses/technology/lseries.html

[lmelendez]

L the lens most people think they want, but can't realy afford and probably don't need and for most part can't rationaly justify, but they get them anyway and then post on dp amazingly sharp but poorly exposed/composed pictures of dog/cat/kids etc etc saying guess what I brought.:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

:D:D:D:D

LMAO

[HKFEVER]

L= Looser for whoever bought them.:evil:

But for sure come with hood, and case.:lol:

[FlipsidE]

L the lens most people think they want, but can't realy afford and probably don't need and for most part can't rationaly justify, but they get them anyway and then post on dp amazingly sharp but poorly exposed/composed pictures of dog/cat/kids etc etc saying guess what I brought.:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

That is classic...one of the funniest things I've read on this board in a LONG time!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

FlilpsidE

[merlyn9]

...Just think about how you wanted to date or spend the rest of your life with that person!
That this the sense or feeling one gets when using and producing such sharp images with an L Lens.... and it's also the reason why... One is never enough!


---michael

[wibbly]

Lovely Jubbly