<P> Larger sized L - lenses , such as the 70 -- 200 mm , 100 -- 400 mm zooms , and longer focal length primes ( 300 mm+ ) , usually have an off - white barrel to reduce heat absorption under the sun that may otherwise affect the performance of the lens , as well as to identify Canon 's lenses ( for example at sporting events ) , though these can be confused with Sony A and Pentax K - mount lenses which are also offered in ( pure ) white . However , shorter focal length L - lenses can be black ( such as the Canon EF 24 -- 70 mm f / 2.8 L ) and all L - lens primes under 200 mm are black . L - lenses can be identified by the distinctive red ring on the lens barrel . The off - white colour of the lens barrel is not exclusive to L lenses , since the Canon 400mm f / 4 DO non-L lens is off - white with a green ring . </P>
<P> Larger sized L - lenses , such as the 70 -- 200 mm , 100 -- 400 mm zooms , and longer focal length primes ( 300 mm+ ) , usually have an off - white barrel to reduce heat absorption under the sun that may otherwise affect the performance of the lens , as well as to identify Canon 's lenses ( for example at sporting events ) , though these can be confused with Sony A and Pentax K - mount lenses which are also offered in ( pure ) white . However , shorter focal length L - lenses can be black ( such as the Canon EF 24 -- 70 mm f / 2.8 L ) and all L - lens primes under 200 mm are black . L - lenses can be identified by the distinctive red ring on the lens barrel . The off - white colour of the lens barrel is not exclusive to L lenses , since the Canon 400mm f / 4 DO non-L lens is off - white with a green ring . </P>
what do the colored rings on canon lenses mean
what do the colored rings on canon lenses mean
to reduce heat absorption under the sun that may otherwise affect the performance of the lens to identify Canon 's lenses
to reduce heat absorption under the sun that may otherwise affect the performance of the lens to identify Canon 's lenses