Photo: GodeNehler (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Quick answer
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
Verdict
A professional long lens that few will need. Extenders make it more versatile.
About this lens
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM is a telephoto prime lens covering 600mm at f/4 for Canon EF mount cameras, from the Canon L series with Image Stabilizer and ultrasonic-motor autofocus. A professional super-telephoto L-series lens, a fixture on sidelines and at wildlife hides.
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 600mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/4.0
- Lens type
- Telephoto
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2012
- Optical construction
- 16 elements in 12 groups
- Aperture blades
- 9
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 4.5 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.15x
- Weight
- 3920 g
- Length
- 448 mm
- Diameter
- 168 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM?
- Wildlife
- Field sports
- Bird photography
Its moderate maximum aperture works best in good light or with a higher ISO.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 600mm | 3.4° | 4.1° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 960mm | 2.1° | 2.6° |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II work with extenders?
Yes, with the EF 1.4x III and 2x III extenders. With the 1.4x it becomes an 840mm f/5.6 and generally keeps autofocus on pro bodies.
Does the EF 600mm f/4L IS II have image stabilization?
Yes. It has a multi-mode stabilizer, and it works with a gimbal head or monopod.
Is the EF 600mm f/4L IS II compatible with full-frame bodies?
Yes, it is designed for full-frame EF bodies, and on APS-C bodies it frames like a 960mm lens.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
