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Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM vs Samyang 500mm f/8.0 Mirror Lens UMC

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Verdict at a glance

  • Samyang 500mm f/8.0 Mirror Lens UMC is faster by 11.9 stops (f/8.0 vs f/500.0), letting in more light.
Specification comparison
Spec EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM 500mm f/8.0 Mirror Lens UMC
Brand Canon Samyang
Mount Canon EF Canon EF
Type Prime Mirror
Focal length 500mm 500mm
Max aperture f/500.0 f/8.0 (faster)
Released 2012 n/a
Blades 9 n/a
Format full-frame n/a
Groups 12 n/a
Af motor USM n/a
Elements 16 n/a
Weight g 3190.0 n/a
Length mm 383.0 n/a
Stabilized Yes n/a
Diameter mm 146.0 n/a
Min focus m 3.7 n/a
Max magnification 0.15 n/a

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

Samyang 500mm f/8.0 Mirror Lens UMC

This 500mm f/8.0 mirror telephoto lens from Samyang fits Canon EF mount cameras. Its catadioptric design keeps a long focal length compact and light.

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