Is there a different GLASS in L lenses?

I understand the build quality is better in L lenses but is there a difference in the glass? Better quality glass being used, better QC, different grinding method? Anything?

Just wunderin'

Yes there is a difference in glass, I can't elaborate because I don't know details, but I know some of the elements they use are special/better than other lenses.

Most L glass and some other lenses, like the 17-55, 70-300IS, and others use a special low dispersion glass which greatly improves the quality of the image. You can read more about the glass here.

http://en.wikipedia.or​g/wiki/Low_dispersion_​glass

Yes, on the higher end lenses, Canon uses more exotic glass, such as Flourite, UD and DO glasses, in addition to the normal glass found in all of the lenses. This exotic glass is not limited to just L lenses only. In fact, the 17-55 has more UD glass than the 24-70L and 24-105L. Additionally, you will see some L lenses that do not have any exotic glass (such as 85L 1.2).

Some of that glass is very expensive. I have read that an ounce of Flourite glass is more expensive than an ounce of gold.

If you want to see how each lens is designed, have a look at Canon's Lens Works booklet at this link

http://www.canon-europe.com …n/ef_lens_work_​iii_en.asp

Click on the "The EF Lens World" links to see a breakdown of each type of lens (EF Zooms, EF Primes, and EF-S lenses)

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #7718323
Some of that glass is very expensive. I have read that an ounce of Flourite glass is more expensive than an ounce of gold.

Quiet, the Hunt brothers may try to corner the market.