Red Stripe on Lens...?

[Alloneword]

What does the red stripe on some of the Canon lenses mean? I've heard you're only supposed to buy a lens if it has the red stripe around the outside.

Thanks for your help!

[EOSBoy]

Red = L series lens. L = luxury.

Basically, L lenses are of higher optical and build quality. Some, when coupled with a screw on filters are weather/dust proof. With this in mind, you pay a premium for them. You don't have to buy them at all. :) if you can afford it though, it'll make a world of difference compared to consumer lenses.

[chinoxs203]

red stripe = $$$$ and quality

[20droger]

Check out the Lens Tables in the Canon EF and EF-S Lenses forum in the Equipment section. It has all the Canon lenses (plus a whole lot more). The instruction talk about various lens qualities: red/green ring vs. gold/no ring vs. silver ring.

Be sure you're sitting down when you look at the price ($$$) column for those red-ringed beauties, especially the telephotos.