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Canon L Series lenses


9 years 9 months ago #386970 by Chris Ly
I'm looking at buying some a news lens and of course keep coming across the L series lenses.  If someone isn't a professional photographer, how important is having this type of lens if you aren't a professional?
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9 years 9 months ago #386975 by garyrhook
It's an issue of quality, not labels. What are your expectations?
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9 years 9 months ago #386984 by KCook
Nil.  None of my lenses are from the "L" family.  I would luv to have 1 or 2 of those, but I can't really justify the $$.  If my Canon was full frame, then an L lens would make more sense.

Kelly
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
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9 years 9 months ago #387487 by Stealthy Ninja

garyrhook wrote: It's an issue of quality, not labels. What are your expectations?


This.

Generally the L series lenses are sharper and have better IQ.  However some lenses are good enough in IQ to be called a "hidden L" like the 85 1.8 and (some say) the EF-S 17-55mm 2.8 IS.

Also, some of the newer Sigma (and even Tamron) lenses are almost as good as/as good as/better than Canon L lenses (and Nikon's top lenses for that matter).

Tamron 24-70 2.8 VC for example is almost as good (say 90%) as the Canon L 24-70 2.8L II (which I happen to own).  For a lot of people the cheaper price and the VC (IS) is worth the slight lack of Sharpness.  For me I just wanted the best so I went with the L.

The Sigma 35 1.4 and 50 1.4 ART lenses are also BETTER in IQ than the Canon/Nikon 35 1.4 and 50 1.2/4 lenses.  They lack a little in build quality, but I never regretted buying my Sigma 35 1.4 over the Canon 35 1.4L.  In fact I think I'd have regretted paying more for the L for  slightly worse IQ.

So yeh it depends on what your expectations are.
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www.aevansphoto.com
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9 years 8 months ago #392712 by Wolfeye
I have three of them, currently, all zooms. I feel that you simply can't go wrong with any L series lens, if you can afford it, but you can also get some great prime lenses for much less than you'd expect. A lot also depends on the sensor you use. The 40mm STM lens is sweet on APS-C cameras, but leaves me cold full frame.
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9 years 8 months ago #392772 by Baydream
I absolutely love my L series 100-400 zoom. I can get crisp shots of wildlife even at the long end. I know that other lenses may match this one but I had confidence that Canon would back this one.  
Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork
Photo Comments
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9 years 8 months ago #392793 by Stealthy Ninja

Baydream wrote: I absolutely love my L series 100-400 zoom. I can get crisp shots of wildlife even at the long end. I know that other lenses may match this one but I had confidence that Canon would back this one.  


Rumour has it that a 100-400 replacement is to be announced in September at Photokina.  Along with a 7DII.  Let's see what actually happens though.
img\def

www.aevansphoto.com
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9 years 7 months ago #397058 by Sheldon
I've used one for 2 years. Best zoom lens for bird photography and you can get them cheap on e-bay.
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