Why do most high-end camera lenses use a terrible weird grey/white/tan plastic the same colour as 90s PC housing?

Question

This might seem like a silly question, but I’m genuinely curious!

In: 1

Answer 1

Canons big lenses were painted white to reduce heat expansion of the glass elements inside, at least originally. Probably didn’t hurt sales to make their most expensive products a little more flashy, too.