Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM
This is a prime lens manufactured by Canon and the model was launched 1999.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto prime lenses, a telephoto lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.
- See all lenses released by Canon
- See all lenses that was released 1999
- Read more about tele photo lenses
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 500 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4.
The lens is to considered fairly bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues. Lenses with good aperture values and longer focal lengths, such as this lens, tend to be popular amongs sports and nature photographers.
Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.
Filter and Lens Hood
If you want to use filters on this lens the slot-in filters (52 mm) would be the ones to use, which is very common at these larger telephoto lenses.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "ET-123B".
Tripod Mount
This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.
Different versions of the lens
This lens has been replaced by a newer version. Prior to purchasing the lens, please compare the various editions.
- Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM (1999)
- Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM (2011)
Pictures (product and sample images)
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilites. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- Has a built-in image stabilizer
- Long focal length with its 500 mm
- Works on all sensor types
- A lens hood is included
- A tripod mount is included
- The lens is sealed against dust and moisture
- This lens has been replaced by a newer version
- Heavy (3870 gr)
- The price (more info)
Specification
| Product Name: | Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM (See dictionary) |
| Release date: | 1999 |
| Manufacturer: | Canon |
| Type of lens: | Telephoto Lens |
| Construction: | Prime lens (no possibility to zoom) |
| Works with cameras from: |
Canon (see compatible cameras) |
| 1:1 at Macro: | No Macro lens |
| Compatibility: | Works on all sensors (see compatible cameras) |
| Autofocus (AF): | Yes |
| Built-in autofocus (AF) motor: | Yes (more info) |
| Maximum aperture: | f/4 |
| Focal Length |
500 mm
Depending on which camera this lens is used the focal length can seem different. This is because different camera sensors can have a slight crop factor and the focal length will be equivalent to:
Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length |
| Lens Construction: | 17 elements / 13 groups |
| Image Stabilizer: | Yes, IS |
| Closest Focusing Distance: | 450 cm |
| Filter: | Drop-in Filter, 52 mm |
| Lens Hood: | ET-123B (included) |
| Tripod mount: | Yes, a tripod mount is included (Read more) |
| Weather sealing: | Yes |
| Dimensions (diameter x length): | 146 x 387 mm |
| Weight: | 3870 g (see the total weight, camera+lens) |
| Retail price (USD) | 6999 USD
Click here for current pricing and price information |
Product Page (Canon):
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Link to Canon (product page) |
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Link to Canon (product page) |
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Best deals on Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM
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Reviews
| fotosidan.se (reviews by users) |
| fredmiranda.com |
| shutterbug.com |
| slrlensreview.com |
| sportsshooter.com |
| the-digital-picture.com |
| Submit a review link |
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Does this lens work with my camera?
Below you will find all registered cameras here on Lensora. Wether the actual camera works with this lens or not is displayed with a green or a red symbol, and if you want to know more about why the lens and the camera work or do not work together you click for further information..
Pictures (product and sample images)
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.
Different versions of this lens
Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM has released different versions of this lens. Please make sure that you study the differences before buying.
Alternatives to Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM for Canon photographers
Below you will find four interesting alternatives to Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM . Make sure to compare these (and other) options before deciding which lens you will buy.
Make your own comparison
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