Testing a lens for a friend

[finz]

Trying out a friends lens - 70-200mm f4L zoom. He bought the lens but his camera is in the shop and he wanted to know how good it is. It's the first L series lens I have used and very nice!


http://www.cichlidforums.com/postimages/2005-09-14/112132-001.jpg

http://www.cichlidforums.com/postimages/2005-09-14/112132-002.jpg

http://www.cichlidforums.com/postimages/2005-09-14/112132-003.jpg

http://www.cichlidforums.com/postimages/2005-09-14/112132-004.jpg

[Jeto]

as always, you take really good pics.

[Glaive]

What does the "L" mean?

Any thing to do with the fstop being 4?

That third picture is amazing.

[finz]

Originally posted by Glaive
What does the "L" mean?

Any thing to do with the fstop being 4?

That third picture is amazing.

Nothing at all to do with the fstop - rather the glass. Here's a quote from another site...


"What is the Canon "L" Lens Series?

Good question - and many answers exist, but it is Canon's professional line (though used extensively by non-professionals) of EOS EF autofocus 35mm SLR and DSLR still camera lenses. Some say L stands for "Low Distortion" - achieved by the UD lens elements found in these lenses. But, the true answer is probably the one in Canon's Lens Work III Book - "L" is for "Luxury".

About their L lenses, Canon says "these lenses use special optical technologies [such as] Ultra-low Dispersion UD glass, Super Low Dispersion glass, Fluorite elements, and Aspherical elements to truly push the optical envelope."

OK so what does that mean - practically speaking?

What you can get when you use Canon L lenses (if you do your part right) are amazing pictures. In fact, this amazement is said to cause a disease know as "L-Disease". Once caught, it is incurable. You will have to buy Canon L lenses in all of the focal lengths you use. AND you will be happy (and I hope you know that I am not being totally serious).
"

[Glaive]

Thanx finz I appreciate it.

How do you think it compares to non L equipment? <Since you have experience with both>

[finz]

So far, in the photos I have taken with the L lens, the contrast and sharpness seems better. Low light focusing is better with my f2.8 non-L lenses but that is to be expected. Autofocus is always more accurate with larger apertures in low light.

[Glaive]

True, good to know on teh L difference.

[Seedy]

Love the Cyps and calvus Finz...Impresive shots as always...