Color rings on Canon lenses: Wondering what the color rings on some Canon lenses designate? Some are gold, some red and I know what the white lenses are, but unsure about the others.

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Color rings on Canon lenses

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Jul 12, 2014 16:10:35 #

gsconsolvo Loc: Ruidoso, New Mexico

Wondering what the color rings on some Canon lenses designate? Some are gold, some red and I know what the white lenses are, but unsure about the others.

Jul 12, 2014 16:15:55 #

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

The red designates the 'L' series lens, the gold usually designates the lens uses a USM (ultra-sonic motor) for auto focus, and the silver is there just to make the lens look pretty.

Jul 12, 2014 17:09:41 #

Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

Let's not forget the green rings on the Canon DO lenses.

Jul 12, 2014 17:25:10 #

gsconsolvo Loc: Ruidoso, New Mexico

haroldross wrote:

The red designates the 'L' series lens, the gold usually designates the lens uses a USM (ultra-sonic motor) for auto focus, and the silver is there just to make the lens look pretty.

Thanks for the reply, that pretty much explains it.

Jul 12, 2014 19:59:57 #

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

haroldross wrote:

The red designates the 'L' series lens, the gold usually designates the lens uses a USM (ultra-sonic motor) for auto focus, and the silver is there just to make the lens look pretty.

Harold, I'm gonna guess on the silver ring, but purely a guess.
I don't know how many silver ring lenses there are, but I used to own the 15-85 with a silver ring.
The 15-85 is a newer generation lens than most, if not ALL of the gold ring lenses. It has the USM motor, but more importantly it has a UD element with a newer 4 stop IS, and its also EFs. So it's as sharp as say the 24-105 but without the build.
So as the gold rings are upgraded, will they become silver rings. Or at least if they are EFs?
Are there other silver rings, if so, are they upgraded and newer? I have no idea, as I don't sit around studying lenses and product, unless I might buy it.
Just saying. ;-)
SS

Jul 12, 2014 20:32:49 #

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

I had a few EF-S lens that had the silver ring- a 18-55mm and a 55-250mm. I don't think I have ever seen the silver ring on a EF lens.

Jul 12, 2014 21:21:18 #

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

The red also indicates the condition of your checkbook after buying some of those lenses!:)

Jul 13, 2014 06:51:49 #

peteto Loc: Las Vegas

LFingar wrote:

The red also indicates the condition of your checkbook after buying some of those lenses!:)

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Jul 13, 2014 08:16:00 #

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I recently procured the 15-85 EFs. I had not shot it before. I purchased it with out testing as it was presented to me where I could not resist as I had the 18-135 and was satisfied.

It advertised to have a four stop image stabilization. I don't put allot of stock in IS, but this is amazing. The 18-135 now sets in the bin. I love the silver strip. I have shot the reds and greens but yet to own one. J. R.

SharpShooter wrote:

Harold, I'm gonna guess on the silver ring, but pu... (show quote)

Jul 13, 2014 08:31:38 #

sassman3629L Loc: South Florida

haroldross wrote:

The red designates the 'L' series lens, the gold usually designates the lens uses a USM (ultra-sonic motor) for auto focus, and the silver is there just to make the lens look pretty.

A Thought?
I believe it is more likely the white also retards absorbing of heat which can lead to expansion of the lens fine tolerances within some areas!!?? The better quality in a lens, the tighter the tolerances! A small way to maintain Quality!? Also, a very quick way to identify Highest Quality in a"The Brand"!
Sonny

Jul 13, 2014 09:03:07 #