Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM : Specifications and Opinions

The Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM is a supertele lens for FF and APS-C, manufactured from 2011 to 2021 (discontinued). The focus is done by Ultrasonic AF Motor (Ring-USM), it has image stabilization. The average price was 10000 €;

60 users have given it an average vote of 9.8 out of 10.

MOUNT

This lens is available with the following mounts:

Canon EF: this lens is compatible with reflex fullframe and APS-C Canon EF.

Specifications
Focal lenght	500 mm
Angle of view	5°
Format	FF, APS-C
Max. aperture	f/4
Aperture blades	9
Lenses/Groups	16 elements in 12 groups
Min. focus distance	3.70 meters
Reproduction ratio	0.15x
Features
Stabilization	Yes (built in lens)
Focus	Ultrasonic AF Motor (Ring-USM)
Internal Focus	Yes
Built and notes
Tripod ring	Yes
Extenders	Yes
Filters	52 mm
Lens hood	Yes, supplied
Weather sealing	Yes
Weight	3190 g
Dimensions	146 x 383 mm
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Reviews

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Pixelaura

sent on 04 Maggio 2013

Pros: Outstanding sharpness & IQ, great build quality, IS is 4 stops

Cons: None

Opinion: I have this lens since 6 months, and what an awesome lens it has been. I have almost not touched the 100-400 L after I got this. It is in another league over the 100-400L. Its razor sharp, hand holdable and easy to carry around (I got a think tank glass limo back pack for it)I use it for birding and with the 7D crop factor I get a 800 f/4 IS lens!!!! IQ with the 1.4 X TC III is excellent. Highly recommended, if one can afford the steep price.

The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.

Orion

sent on 12 Marzo 2026

Pros: Portability, sharpness, AF speed, stabilization

Cons: Not the latest technology release

Opinion: An exceptional lens in terms of performance and lightness. Of course it is not the latest technological release, but in terms of performance it is not far away. A must to have for those who are passionate about fauna and birdlife. Better a 600 f4, a 400 2.8? Well, between the two quarrels it is he who enjoys. He is in the middle so he gets by on the side of the track, in the arenas, in the open field. Dimensions also here more than acceptable, it is not as long as a 600 and not even as bright as a 2.8, so versatility in the first place. Of course a 300 would always be short in these contexts, but a 300 2.8 wins in certain areas unreachable for the aforementioned ones. Very adaptable to mirrorless r3 type, an excellent choice for those who do not have the opportunity to donate an organ for the corresponding RF. Ah what a bad luck, it doesn't exist!

Airone

sent on 14 Novembre 2023

Pros: Exceptional optical quality, definitely the best of my superteles. It holds up optimally to the 1,4 and 2x multipliers and maintains an acceptable quality (clearly with sufficient light and a minimum of post-production) even with 2 multipliers in series on ML (e.g. Canon 2x plus Tamron 2x bbar mc7 on R5) https://www.juzaphoto.com/galleria.php?l=it&t=4667025

Cons: Weight: the 3.2 kg can be felt, but the correct use of the original shoulder strap improves the situation a lot even for a few hours of use without a tripod.

Opinion: I got used this lens two years ago and I don't regret the preced. 800/5,6. I use it mainly freehand, holding it over my shoulder (left shoulder support - right side always ready to use). I almost always keep the original 1.4x mounted. Focusing in ai servo is fast even with a multiplier even in low light (only used on r5). I like this lens so much that at the moment I would agree to replace it only with the 600 RF (for the 100mm advantage) but I don't think the outlay necessary for the gearbox is justified.

Nadir84

sent on 18 Agosto 2022

Pros: Excellent sharpness, microcontrast that leaves you speechless, exceptional extender rendering.

Cons: Absolutely none

Opinion: I took this lens after almost 1 year of testing and research. I tried the 400 f2.8 I series, the 500 f4 Is, the 600 f4 2nd series etc. Then suddenly he comes. Before shooting I take it in hand and I already realize the advantage in terms of weight on the brothers mentioned above. At the first smooth shot I am speechless. I think I can say that it is absolutely among the sharpest lenses ever produced by Canon. With the extender it does not lose anything such as quality and operating speed. I also use it for photo hunting sessions helping me with a monopod. Extraordinary lens

Francesco Lo Gullo

sent on 07 Aprile 2021

Pros: Construction quality, sharpness, AF responsiveness, stabilization, colors of its lenses.

Cons: Absolutely Nothing.

Opinion: A masterpiece that Canon has managed to make, using first choice materials, starting from the case to finish to its magical lenses. AF a razor, silent and effective stabilizer, colors of its wonderful lenses, excellent combination with 2X third generation extender, I do not know if you have understood, but I am really in love with it. Thank you Canon.

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Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM : Specifications and Opinions

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Photos taken with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM