What does the 'L' series on the FD lenses mean? at DVinfo.net

Leo Mandy · November 1st, 2005, 04:34 PM

A little off topic, but I am looking in a FD lens but it is the 'L' series. Does anyone know what this means as far as optics go? Is it a good, bad lens system in comparison to let's say the SSC series?

Valeriu Campan · November 2nd, 2005, 07:13 AM

The 'L' lenses are their top of the range... If I am not mistaken, as silly as it sounds, I heard that L stans for 'Luxury'. Stand to be corrected.

Emre Safak · November 2nd, 2005, 07:55 AM

L lenses are basically of a higher quality, and reserved for zoom lenses and telephotos.

Emre Safak · November 2nd, 2005, 07:55 AM

You can distinguish them from their red ring. I do not know how they compare with the SSCs, but you can read about it here.

James Ewen · November 9th, 2005, 02:57 AM

The 'L' in the FD range may well stand for luxury but it refers in practice to a fluorite crystal element that is a part of the optical array. This means that there is less glass for the light to pass through. It also means that the lenses are awesome. I have a number that are mount converted for my Aaton, and many of the commonly used 35 and 16 telephoto type lenses are canon optics in a better cine type lens casing (gears etc).
The SSC system is good (Super Spectral Coating I believe) but is a much older system than the 'L' series. The image is excellent but not comparable to the 'L' series, the 'collar' lock on the SSC lenses and the housings are excellent and solid.
Avoid the black fluorite series of lenses (.i.e. the black 300 2.8 Fluorite) not as good by far.
These are all completely manual remember and they have no 'IS' or Vibration reduction motors. They have the FD or FD New mount and will not fix to an EOS still camera without an adapter.
They are the perfect candidates for conversion to PL mounts for use on video/cine cameras, in fact the majority of wildlife is shot through a quality zoom (such as the Zeiss, Canon or Angenieux) and a combination of the 300 2.8L, 400 2.8L, 150-600 5.6L and extenders such as the 1.4x and 2x.

James
DP
Earthmedia Imaging and Film
Mozambique

Danny McStay · February 14th, 2006, 07:08 AM

is it possible to stick a fd-lense on an xl2? do I need an adapter and it that case how can I get one?

Ben Winter · February 14th, 2006, 08:13 AM

Danny, I believe Quyen sells these "XL Family" adapters on his website www.adapterplace.com. The Letus is sold there also.

November 1st, 2005, 04:34 PM	#1
Leo Mandy Major Player Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 749	What does the 'L' series on the FD lenses mean? A little off topic, but I am looking in a FD lens but it is the 'L' series. Does anyone know what this means as far as optics go? Is it a good, bad lens system in comparison to let's say the SSC series?

November 2nd, 2005, 07:55 AM	#3
Emre Safak Trustee Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brookline, MA Posts: 1,447	L lenses are basically of a higher quality, and reserved for zoom lenses and telephotos. Last edited by Greg Boston; February 14th, 2006 at 08:07 AM. Reason: removed reference to duplicate posts

November 9th, 2005, 02:57 AM	#5
James Ewen Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 91	'L' Fluorite Elements The 'L' in the FD range may well stand for luxury but it refers in practice to a fluorite crystal element that is a part of the optical array. This means that there is less glass for the light to pass through. It also means that the lenses are awesome. I have a number that are mount converted for my Aaton, and many of the commonly used 35 and 16 telephoto type lenses are canon optics in a better cine type lens casing (gears etc). The SSC system is good (Super Spectral Coating I believe) but is a much older system than the 'L' series. The image is excellent but not comparable to the 'L' series, the 'collar' lock on the SSC lenses and the housings are excellent and solid. Avoid the black fluorite series of lenses (.i.e. the black 300 2.8 Fluorite) not as good by far. These are all completely manual remember and they have no 'IS' or Vibration reduction motors. They have the FD or FD New mount and will not fix to an EOS still camera without an adapter. They are the perfect candidates for conversion to PL mounts for use on video/cine cameras, in fact the majority of wildlife is shot through a quality zoom (such as the Zeiss, Canon or Angenieux) and a combination of the 300 2.8L, 400 2.8L, 150-600 5.6L and extenders such as the 1.4x and 2x. James DP Earthmedia Imaging and Film Mozambique

February 14th, 2006, 07:08 AM	#6
Danny McStay Tourist Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 4	fd lenses for xl2 is it possible to stick a fd-lense on an xl2? do I need an adapter and it that case how can I get one?

February 14th, 2006, 08:13 AM	#7
Ben Winter Trustee Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 1,675 Images: 1	Danny, I believe Quyen sells these "XL Family" adapters on his website www.adapterplace.com. The Letus is sold there also. __________________ BenWinter.com

November 2nd, 2005, 07:13 AM	#2
Valeriu Campan Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 223	The 'L' lenses are their top of the range... If I am not mistaken, as silly as it sounds, I heard that L stans for 'Luxury'. Stand to be corrected.