Many photographer dream gun is L series lens, like me :) . Short review, L-lenses have superior optical performance and are typically built with a solid construction to withstand constant use and harsh conditions. They can be recognized by a red ring around the front part of the lens. Most recent L lenses have sealing to help resist dust and water. L-lenses are typically used by professionals and serious amateurs due to their high price and large mass.

On the back of Canon lenses is a six-digit code, which indicates where the lens was manufactured and when.

Example of a code “UV1212”

The first letter ‘U’ represents the factory that made the lens. Three possible first letters are:

1. U = Utsunomiya
2. F = Fukushima
3. O = Oita


The second letter ‘V’ represent the year of manufacture

* A = 1986, 1960
* B = 1987, 1961
* C = 1988, 1962
* D = 1989, 1963
* E = 1990, 1964
* F = 1991, 1965
* G = 1992, 1966
* H = 1993, 1967
* I = 1994, 1968
* J = 1995, 1969
* K = 1996, 1970
* L = 1997, 1971
* M = 1998, 1972
* N = 1999, 1973
* O = 2000, 1974
* P = 2001, 1975
* Q = 2002, 1976
* R = 2003, 1977
* S = 2004, 1978
* T = 2005, 1979
* U = 2006, 1980
* V = 2007, 1981
* W = 2008, 1982
* X = 2009, 1983
* Y = 2010, 1984
* Z = 2011, 1985

The next two digits represent the month of the lens is manufactured.

The last two digits are for internal Canon use.

Therefore the example of UV1212 means the lens was made in the Utsunomiya, Japan factory in December 2007.

So..lets check your L series lens code :) .

Special tribute:
http://media.the-digital-picture.com/Images/Pic/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f-4.0-L-USM-Lens.jpg