Gordon Laing - Canon lens TEARDOWN! What's INSIDE a new lens
I recently came across an informative video by Gordon Laing that delves into the intricate process behind the production of modern RF lenses by Canon. Many have been curious about whether Canon incorporates plastic lens elements into their lenses, and this video provides a clear answer.
Canon refers to plastic lens elements as "optical resin" and employs various techniques to implement it. Sometimes, it's combined with glass to manipulate light, while in other instances, it's molded into unique shapes that would be too expensive to achieve through traditional methods like grinding fluorite.
The primary motivation behind these techniques is to manage manufacturing costs effectively. In the competitive landscape of business, organizations, including Canon, strive to find a balance between cost-effectiveness and staying competitive. With the rise of smart phone photography the camera industry lost the lucrative “point and shoot” market so they had to adapt in other areas to stay competitive.
Upon examining sample photos taken with the new non-L RF lenses, a noticeable difference in the feel if the images. The distinct lifelike quality and the three-dimensional pop characteristic of glass lenses seem to be lacking. This is way I’ve always been hesitant on buying the new non-L RF lenses. Visually something didn’t add up to me.
This revelation prompts reflection on the intersection of artistry and technology in photography. While acknowledging the necessity for cost-effectiveness, it raises questions about whether the unique qualities that photographers appreciate in traditional lenses are compromised in the pursuit of innovation. As somebody who’s been shooting photos since he was 12 years old I noticed a difference in these new lenses even though I had no idea what it was that I was noticing till I watched this video.
As Canon continues to push boundaries and adapt to evolving technologies, the delicate equilibrium between cutting-edge advancements and the enduring appeal of classic lenses remains a challenge. Exploring the realm of non-L RF lenses becomes a thought-provoking journey, sparking contemplation about the evolving nature of photographic equipment.
Please note that the above images are screen captures from Gordon Laing’s video. I am in no way associated with Gordon although it would be really cool to meet him one day. The opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.
