Canon EF 500mm F4 L IS USM Review
General information
This is a prime lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 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.
Product description from Canon
At launch 1999 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 500mm F4 L IS USM :
"Large-aperture telephoto L lens with a camera shake correction function, which is best suited to motor sports photography Developed as a successor to the EF500mm f/4.5L USM. The maximum aperture F value is set to F4 for large aperture and a fluorite lens and two UD lenses are used in the optical system to assure very high picture quality. This lens has also a protection glass and a rear filter as standard, which are included in the number of lenses. The camera shake correction has an effect of approx. two stops* in terms of shutter speed. This lens has also ”camera shake correction mode 2” which corrects shaking of the viewfinder image when, for example, shooting a moving object, and a tripod can be used with the camera shake correction function ON. High-speed autofocusing is achieved by the weight reduction of the group of focusing lenses and improvement of the autofocusing drive algorithm. A new AF stop function, which stops autofocusing temporarily, is adopted. Manual focusing is performed mechanically to save power. Main components are made of a magnesium alloy to reduce the weight of the lens, including the optical system, making it much lighter than conventional lenses. Rubber parts are used as mount and switch components to achieve excellent dust- and drip-proofness. The tripod mount can be removed, and the drop-in filter 52 (standard), carbon fiber hood, and suitcase-type lens case are designed to be easy to use.
Next-generation super telephoto L-series lens with an Image Stabilizer, it´s one of the world´s best lenses for wildlife and nature photography. The optical system is newly designed with a maximum aperture of f/4. One fluorite element and two UD-glass elements effectively correct aberrations resulting in sharp and excellent delineation."
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 F4 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.
Images of Canon EF 500mm F4 L IS USM
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
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 capabilities. 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
- Heavy (3870 gr)
- The price (more info)
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF 500mm F4 L IS USM .
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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