Are L series lenses really worth the premium price?

[grotty]

I really don't see why they can't make an EF-S L lens. The only thing that's lacking from the 10-22 and 17-55 would be the L build quality and red ring I am sure.

Possibly because only lenses that work on pro bodies would be designated L series...even if the lenses you mention had improved build (and increased price tag), they wouldn't work properly on pro bodies.

 

[SpikeK6]

I cannot argue about any other lens size be it zoom or prime but I will say this.
I had a 75-300 and thought it was ok, a little soft at times but the images where ok for what it was, I decided to go fro broke and bought the 100-400L and well the first day i came home and stuck the pics on the pC I nearly fell off my chair, the difference was totally black and white.
In my bag i will never have all L glass for reasons above, the amture/hobbiest does not need it, so unless I decided I am doing some sort of photography where i need a certain lens for a certain reason then thats when i will buy it.

spike

 

[bindex]

Pro gear is:-

a) tough
b) robust
c) sharp at all apertures
d) sometimes weatherproof
e) Bloody expensive!
f) if it's a Canon lens, probably "L" designated.

Worth it? Only you can answer that one...
I'd say yes, but that's only my opinion.

 

[hashcake]

I would believe that except for the fact that there is a compact with a Canon L lens in it. Can't find it just now, but I know there is one out there.

EDIT: Here we go: http://www.steves-digicams.com/came...rshot-pro1/canon-powershot-pro1-review-2.html

If they can put an L lens in a compact, I really don't see why they can't make an EF-S L lens. The only thing that's lacking from the 10-22 and 17-55 would be the L build quality and red ring I am sure.

That's a camera that was released in 2004 and dropped about 18 months later.
Obviously it wasn't a great seller and Canon haven't produced anything like it since.
That gives me the impression there is not much of a market for a camera like this.

I think an L range of EF-S lenses would be good idea however, it would be pointless for Canon to produce three ranges of lenses.