The "New Gear/Willy Waving" thread

http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/education/infobank/lenses/black_or_white_lenses.do

Most EF lenses have black barrels, but a few are white (actually a light grey or beige). The white lenses are all large super-telephotos. There is a good reason for this.

Lenses contain glass elements. These expand with heat. This is not usually a problem with compact lenses − the amount of expansion is small. But large lenses contain large elements and here expansion can bring a lens close to the limits of its design tolerances. A white surface reflects sunlight, helping to keep the lens cooler.

Incidentally, you will find that the manual focusing action of some black lenses allows focusing past its infinity setting (sometimes called over-focusing). This is also to allow for expansion. If the lens is used in hot conditions, infinity focusing will be closer to the end of the travel.
Click to expand...

I doubt they write that for fun. It's not just Canon now anyway.

Ever got into a black car vs a light coloured car after it's been in the sun for a few hours? There's a vast difference.
 
a1ex2001 said:
I've never read a white L series manual but does it tell you not to wrap it in a neoprene cover as it will over heat?
Click to expand...


Neoprene is an excellent insulator though so there won't be much heat transferred to the metal in the lens casing and then through to any other components. On the other hand, it will also slow any cooling so it's a double edged sword.



Ultimately, this can be discussed till the cows come home but unless anyone can find any actual testing that proves/disproves the fact that it makes a difference, then we're wasting our time!
 
You have to wonder what some were taught at school.

So many people on forums deny simple laws of physics.
 
Last edited:
Dooksy said:
I doubt they write that for fun. It's not just Canon now anyway.
Click to expand...

Why not? It helps maintain their brand.

And it basically is just Canon. Nikon no longer sell any white lenses (which alone should tell you how much actual real world difference it makes). Sony sell 6 (which is probably more keeping up appearances (Minolta were actually the first to sell white lenses for their MD mount and Sony's are whiter than Canons) rather than a genuine difference). Pentax sell 1.

Gungnir said:
So many people on forums deny simple laws of physics.
Click to expand...

It's more complicated that just "white reflects heat, black absorbs it". Kirchoff's law of thermal radiation comes to mind. If it were that simple, the lenses would be entirely white, no? Yet they have large portions covered by black plastic and rubber.

You also have to remember that it's fluorite elements that are especially sensitive to heat, and plenty of white Canon lenses have no fluorite elements at all, whilst some that do are black.

In other news, this turned up today:

i6eXrM6.jpg
 
Last edited:
Starting to see why people go Import. I have been tracking used 5D3's since the 4 was announced. People wanting about £200-300 less than a new one with 3 years warranty. I feel dirty. Even a low use 5D3 3k actuations £1400.

I was hoping the price would drop a bit more but I guess they figure a 5D3 at half the price of a 4 is enough to clear stock, unlike last time when they really tried harder to clear 5D2 stock.

Going to pull the trigger on a 5D3 and 24-70 this week. I have sat on my hands long enough and have far out grown the ISO capabilities of my 50D.
 
Columbo said:
Oooh been looking for one those to add to my mounting collection of old Mintola glass. How much did you pay for it.
Click to expand...

£168 including postage, from eBay.

I was looking at importing one from Japan, but that would've been £250 with customs charges, and then by chance this popped up here in the UK.

Could've gotten the older 1980s version for a similar price I think, but all of my Minolta glass is the RS variety. I believe the coatings on this version may be better too. Seems plenty sharp so far.
 
Dooksy said:
I had mine for sale for £1250 on here with less than 5000 actuations, not a single bite. Ended up selling it on TP to an ex BTCC tog.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's my point, why would anyone go 2nd hand when for another £250 you get a 3 year warranty. I'm not a fan of importing and have been vocal about it but you lose twice over if you don't. On initial price and resale value.

jonneymendoza said:
i got mine on ebay up for 1350 so far.
Click to expand...

And with Ebay's awful fees it will probably end up being less than the £1250 he stated. I hate selling anything worth more than a tenner on ebay. :(
 
Dooksy said:
I had mine for sale for £1250 on here with less than 5000 actuations, not a single bite. Ended up selling it on TP to an ex BTCC tog.
Click to expand...

Small world - I bought Chris' 400 2.8 from him, which allowed him to buy your 5D3 and 85mm. I spotted your ad on TP that was exactly what he was looking for, and forwarded your details to him (Don't think he had enough posts to access the classifieds).
 
JohnStewart said:
Small world - I bought Chris' 400 2.8 from him, which allowed him to buy your 5D3 and 85mm. I spotted your ad on TP that was exactly what he was looking for, and forwarded your details to him (Don't think he had enough posts to access the classifieds).
Click to expand...

Yeah I was a bit hesitant at first. Random text off the internet and arranging to meet up in a car park. But I googled his number and he checked out so I just went with and all went well. Granted I could have probably got more money but you see little use ones at £1400+ for sale for weeks, couldn't be bothered waiting and wanted to clear a CC.

Cheers by the way, guess I owe you a pint should we ever meet.
 
Dooksy said:
Yeah I was a bit hesitant at first. Random text off the internet and arranging to meet up in a car park. But I googled his number and he checked out so I just went with and all went well. Granted I could have probably got more money but you see little use ones at £1400+ for sale for weeks, couldn't be bothered waiting and wanted to clear a CC.

Cheers by the way, guess I owe you a pint should we ever meet.
Click to expand...

No beer required - finding your ad allowed Chris to get the kit he wanted for less than I had offered for his 400 and allowed the deal to take place :) He thought it would take months to sell his lens at the wrong time of the season, and was delighted to get a quick sale and purchase.

After he met you at lunchtime, he drove back to Heathrow to meet me with his 400, as I managed to get a £35 day return flight from Aberdeen on BA using air miles/avios which was cheaper and quicker than posting it.

My usual haunt is Knockhill (also organise track days there if you are into that sort of thing), but I do cover most of the Time Attack rounds at circuits around the UK.
 
Yeah I am into track days, I do need to do Knockhill at some point. I'm booked at Donington Park at the end of next month but I think that will be the last of the season till I manage to remortgage.

Chris mentioned about meeting you at the airport afterward handing over a brown bag and you giving him a load of cash. :D
 
dannyjo22 said:
Yeah that's my point, why would anyone go 2nd hand when for another £250 you get a 3 year warranty. I'm not a fan of importing and have been vocal about it but you lose twice over if you don't. On initial price and resale value.



And with Ebay's awful fees it will probably end up being less than the £1250 he stated. I hate selling anything worth more than a tenner on ebay. :(
Click to expand...

thats why i got it down for 1399!

Might try sell it on TP etc.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom