RF16-28mm lens: Why isn't it an "L"?

[kvbarkley]

Canon has just announced an RF 16 - 28mm lens

Ken Rockwell points out:

it has "Impressive durability and weather-resistant construction equivalent to an L-series lens for use in harsh environments."

and

"This lens is now the smallest, lightest RF zoom lens with image quality equivalent to a Canon L-series specification."

So why isn't it an L?

[ebiggs1]

The RF 16-28mm F2.8 was designed  for Canon’s beginner and mid-range full-frame cameras I.E., the R8 level of  cameras. It is nearly RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM clone, IMHO. The fact these level of lenses are good has nothing to do with it. The design market has everything to do with it.

This is also reminds me about the discussion wayback why the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens was not given the "L" tag. It's in the same class but of course no EF-S lens got the "red ring".