CanonLU-101 LTR(50) Luster Photo Paper Letter, 50 Sheets (LU-101 LTR)

Makes great clear prints. Works with ET 8550 perfectly

I have finally purchased a box of the Luster paper and think it is great. I love the Canon Semi Gloss paper Canon Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss 13" x 19" (50 Sheets) (SG-201 13X19) and I see little difference between the two. Since I think Semi Gloss is five stars, I give this paper the same rating.I have attached an image to this review. (Reducing its resolution and making it a jpg makes it a little sucky but that's life on Amazon.) The image has a good range of colors and deep blacks with some details that are just visible. I used a handheld magnifier and one of those large desk-mounted magnifiers with built-in light ring to examine the two prints: one on Semi Gloss and the other on Luster, both 13x19 and made on my Pro9500 Mark II.My conclusions after examination are 1) whiteness, texture, and sheen of the two papers are virtually the same but see below, 2) colors are virtually the same, 3) details in highlights are virtually the same, 4) depth of black areas are virtually the same, and 5) discernible details in black areas are virtually the same. When I say "virtually the same" I mean identical to me but I admit that there may be some differences that have escaped me or might be more visible using a different printer. [By the way, the word "Canon" is printed on the back of Semi Gloss but not on Luster. This is fortunate since otherwise I would believe I had made the two prints on the same paper.]I'm not likely to buy much of this paper unless the price falls to match or better the Semi Gloss. Since I can't see any difference, I'll buy the less expensive. Further, I use 4x6 Semi Gloss for proofs and there is no small version of the Luster.This is below: With more careful examination, it seems that the Luster paper might be whiter but that difference is slight and only visible when 1) the two papers abut, 2) you move your head side to side, and 3) you exchange the positions of the papers a few times in case the light isn't perfectly even. As I said, the difference is very slight.Additional test: I increased the number of test subjects to three: 1) Semi Gloss paper using its own ICC profile, 2) Luster paper using the Semi Gloss profile, and 3) Luster paper using the Pro Glossy II profile. The third subject - number 3 - was motivated by the fact that Ilford recommends using Canon's Pro Glossy II profile with their Luster papers and Canon support recommended using the Pro Glossy II profile when I contacted them before ordering the Luster paper. The instructions included with the Luster paper said to use the Semi Gloss profile so I contacted Canon again and they confirmed using the Semi Gloss profile. Be all that as it may ...My conclusions after examination of the three test subjects are 1) whiteness, texture, and sheen of the two papers are virtually the same, 2) colors are virtually the same, 3) details in highlights are virtually the same, 4) depth of black areas are virtually the same, and 5) discernible details in black areas are virtually the same. When I say "virtually the same" I mean identical to me but I admit that there may be some differences that have escaped me or might be more visible using a different printer.So my recommendations are to buy whichever of Canon Luster or Semi Gloss that is least expensive at the time. They are both excellent papers and virtually identical. If you run tests like described above, please mention them in your reviews or attach as comments to this review. Please include printer information - I used a Pro9500 - since different printers might emphasize differences not apparent to me.

Awesome product and it delivers quality images!

I'm like most when it comes to printing my own photos. I usually look for something in the human range of pricing and value. I own a Canon MX922 All-in-one, and I get really great pictures. I even went so far as to try a few generic brands of photo papers but found the Canon brands to be a far better value when judged side-by-side. I recently sprung for my daughter graduation pics ($$$) and opted to do the printing for the rest of the family from the included CD. (Smarter than buying prints at $10 each) I used a multitude of photo papers, from Matte finish to Glossy and Glossy II... All Canon. All were acceptable for gift giving, but this was my last to graduate so I wanted better. I researched the Canon Luster Photo Paper 50 sheets (LU-101 LTR) which at $17.49 (Retail $34.99) looked to be the best of both worlds. I ran off a few black and whites and then my daughter's main Cap and Gown photo. Wow!! They really look professional! I now have a new favorite printing paper. They all look too good for the price. I understand that you get what you pay for, especially with photo papers, cameras, and ink. (The ink is from Amazon as well- Valuetoner 24 Pack Compatible Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon PGI-250XL CLI-251XL Pixma MX922) These are by far the best photos I've ever printed, and without hurting my wallet. I love my daughter and like any good fathers, I want her to have the best. She was happy with a Matte and Glossy finishes, by these are going to knock her cheerleader socks off! LOL. I will be buying more of this photo paper for my quality finishes. Also, I'm going to be replacing all my Glossy family photos on the walls with this type of photo paper. Hope this helps. Highly recommend.

High quality paper. Excellent looking prints.

I love this paper. I love the way it makes my photos look, I love how the texture blends with film grain, I love how the texture interacts subtly with light.But I hate how much of a pain this paper is to load due to a plain white back. Have to hold it up to light like a detective to see the textured side. Canon could easily mark the back.

I have a Canon ET-8550 color printer, which prints outstanding color photos. I usually use a larger paper (13x19) for my landscape photos, also Canon paper. When I needed to print smaller photos, the Canon LU-101 LTR was my only choice. The prints are excellent and, for the price, an outstanding buy. Highly recommended...5 stars!