Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM vs Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM is faster by 13.9 stops (f/4.0 vs f/500.0), letting in more light.
- Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is lighter by 730g.
- Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM goes wider (500mm vs 600mm).
- Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM reaches further (600mm vs 500mm).
| Spec | EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM | EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Type | Prime | Telephoto |
| Focal length | 500mm (wider) | 600mm |
| Max aperture | f/500.0 | f/4.0 (faster) |
| Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 12 | 12 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 16 | 16 |
| Weight g | 3190.0 (lighter) | 3920.0 |
| Length mm | 383.0 | 448.0 |
| Stabilized | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter mm | 146.0 | 168.0 |
| Min focus m | 3.7 (closer focusing) | 4.5 |
| Max magnification | 0.15 | 0.15 |
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM
The EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is a professional 500mm f/4 telephoto with image stabilization and a lightweight magnesium body. Used in wildlife and sports photography.
Pros
- f/4 aperture at 500mm
- Stabilized
- Lighter than the first IS version
- Extender compatible
Cons
- Heavy to handhold (about 3.2 kg)
- Large
- Needs a support
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM
A professional 600mm f/4 supertelephoto with image stabilization and fluorite elements, used for sports and wildlife at long range.
Pros
- Long reach at f/4
- Stabilized
- Strong optics
- Works with extenders
Cons
- Heavy (about 3.9 kg)
- Needs a gimbal head or other support
- Narrow depth of field