Photo: Ignat Gorazd from Tokyo, Japan (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Quick answer
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
Verdict
A professional wildlife lens on EF, aimed at working pros and serious enthusiasts.
About this lens
A 500mm f/4 telephoto prime lens, the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is designed for Canon EF mount bodies, 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 500mm f/4L IS II USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 500mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/500.0
- Lens type
- Prime
- 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
- 3.7 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.15x
- Weight
- 3190 g
- Length
- 383 mm
- Diameter
- 146 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM?
- Wildlife
- Birds in flight
- Sports
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
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 | 500mm | 4.1° | 5° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 800mm | 2.6° | 3.1° |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II work with extenders?
Yes, with the EF 1.4x III and 2x III extenders. The 1.4x gives 700mm f/5.6 and keeps autofocus on most bodies.
Is the EF 500mm f/4L IS II stabilized?
Yes. It has a multi-mode stabilizer that includes a panning setting for moving subjects.
EF 500mm f/4L IS II vs EF 100-400mm II?
The prime is a stop faster at its end and holds up better with extenders, while the zoom is far lighter.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
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