EF-S L lenses

First off, I know that there are no EF-S lenses with an L designation. As I understand it, this designation is reserved for EF lenses.

However I have read several things about EF-S lenses having all of the other qualities of a Luxury lens (build and glass quality for example). I am pretty sure I have read this several times about the 10-22.

So I have two questions, Do you think that there would be any benefit (to users and to canon) in a similar designation for the highest quality EF-S lenses?

And- What lenses would you expect to get this designation?

Everyone will tell you there is no way an EF-S Lens will ever get an L designation. Its been brought up before in a few other threads.

MattPharmD wrote in post #12964334
However I have read several things about EF-S lenses having all of the other qualities of a Luxury lens (build and glass quality for example). I am pretty sure I have read this several times about the 10-22.

Yes, the 10-22 has been said to have the qualities of an L, but this is usually meaning the IQ and the fact that it has nice glass, the build quality isn't up there with an L in my opinion. I don't feel that any of the EF-S lenses are built as well as an L, but some are excellent lenses otherwise.

As for another designation to separate them, I feel that would just cause more confusion amongst users, particularly as many EF-S buyers are relatively new to photography. If you want to get an idea of the quality of a particular lens, the price is a pretty good clue then just check out the reviews. The 10-22mm is around £650 (about US$ 1,075) for example, in the UK, which should be enough of a clue that it is something a bit above the regular EF-S herd, without sticking a badge on it.

As for which EF-S lenses are equal to L image quality, I really couldn't say as I have only had two and one of those was the 18-55 kit paperweight which got passed on ASAP. The other is the 10-22 which I love and do compare favourably against all my EF lenses, three of which are Ls.

Fabfive wrote in post #12964384
Everyone will tell you there is no way an EF-S Lens will ever get an L designation. Its been brought up before in a few other threads.

Which is exactly why the OP was suggesting coming up with a different designation for the better quality EF-S lenses

L prices for lenses that only work on crop bodies? Personally, I wouldn't buy one but that's because I know I'll get a full frame and I want lenses I can use on both cameras. I do wonder how many folks out there would fork over the extra money for that.

Canon powershot pro1 has an L designated lens. Just sayin'

BrickR wrote in post #12964428
L prices for lenses that only work on crop bodies? Personally, I wouldn't buy one but that's because I know I'll get a full frame and I want lenses I can use on both cameras. I do wonder how many folks out there would fork over the extra money for that.

+1

I don't think canon would build an L lens that would work only on the crop sensors which are generally used by non-professionals.

I don't see any benefit to Canon creating an L designation for EF-S lenses, only a reason to charge you extra for the designation.

MattPharmD wrote in post #12964334
First off, I know that there are no EF-S lenses with an L designation. As I understand it, this designation is reserved for EF lenses.

However I have read several things about EF-S lenses having all of the other qualities of a Luxury lens (build and glass quality for example). I am pretty sure I have read this several times about the 10-22.

So I have two questions, Do you think that there would be any benefit (to users and to canon) in a similar designation for the highest quality EF-S lenses?

And- What lenses would you expect to get this designation?

EF-S is a technical term. It describes the mount and directs which EOS cameras the lens will fit.

'L' is a marketing designation. Canon has apparently decided that the 'L' designation has a certain cachet that they wish to maintain and they probably fear that adding 'L' to a supposed 'consumer' EF-S lens would bring down the cachet.

Several of the EF-S lenses are excellent performers. Look more at the lens performance, build and features and don't worry too much about the marketing.

The ONLY thing a "top quality" lens designation symbol, or letter would do to whichever EF-S lenses it would be applied to is...RAISE THE PRICE!!

That's it!

People can see for themselves which lenses, either EF, or EF-S produce the "best", most consistant results.

The lens doesn't need to have a "L", or "Q" (for Quality) or any other symbol slapped on it so Canon can justify raising it's cost just for the sake it has a "letter" on it.

Canonswhitelensesrule wrote in post #12964617
The ONLY thing a "top quality" lens designation symbol, or letter would do to whichever EF-S lenses it would be applied to is...RAISE THE PRICE!!

That's it!

People can see for themselves which lenses, either EF, or EF-S produce the "best", most consistant results.

The lens doesn't need to have a "L", or "Q" (for Quality) or any other symbol slapped on it so Canon can justify raising it's cost just for the sake it has a "letter" on it.

Canon already charges L premium for EF-S lenses, skipping on things like better build and weather sealing.
Not sure if there is any future in this standard, could be wrong but seems like Canon stopped developing new EF-S lenses.
Still could stay around for consumer market as it's cheaper to build. Time will tell.

NickSully wrote in post #12964537
+1

I don't think canon would build an L lens that would work only on the crop sensors which are generally used by non-professionals.

??? Really? Are you serious?

Anyhow, the design of the new Fisheye 8-15mm L is interesting. As far as I can remember, it is intended as a replacement for the 15mm fisheye. But it has markings and a zoom locking mechanism to make the lens friendlier to 1.6 and 1.3 crop bodies.

I found it very interesting when I played with it. It is an L lens, yet with obvious designations and mechanical limiters specifically for use on APS-C and APS-H. To me, it appears that Canon is actually taking APS-C more seriously to have special markings on an L lens to specifically help APS-C users. Also, just the fact that the 7D exists shows that they believe 1.6 crop is an extremely valid and worthwhile format to invest PRO-grade R&D time into.

I'm quite interested to see how this plays out over the next few years. So many people (usually non pros) say 1.6 crop is DEAD. But to me, it appears that Canon is putting more and more time and energy into it.

If you would like to actually understand lens construction and thus why some lenses are worth more than others, here is a good read.

http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1304687​196&sr=1-3

They won't make an EF-S an "L" because then they'd have to consider adding weather sealing and they'd include the hood and a case/bag with the lens. Without the "L" designation, they can skip the weather sealing and happily sell you the lens hood separately!

tempest68 wrote in post #12965603
They won't make an EF-S an "L" because then they'd have to consider adding weather sealing and they'd include the hood and a case/bag with the lens. Without the "L" designation, they can skip the weather sealing and happily sell you the lens hood separately!

That did NOT stop nikon from weather sealing their 17-55mm DX


Ahhhhhh

I should have gone nikon.