Having owned both the non L and now the L version, I'd say if you have the money to spend and macro/portrait photography is one of your main passions, GO for it. It's absolutely awesome in every way, the images have that sort of 3d look everyone loves from old Zeis lenses. Compared to old macro it's a level higher in all respects. Now if budget is tight, I suggest you get the old one, which is absolutely great too, but my L just stays on the body all the time
