Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM Review

General information

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.

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.

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This lens has been replaced by a newer version.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.

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 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
  • This lens has been replaced by a newer version
  • Heavy (3870 gr)
  • The price (more info)

Best deals on Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM

Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.

Reviews

sefotosidan.se (reviews by users)
usfredmiranda.com
usshutterbug.com
usslrlensreview.com
ussportsshooter.com
usthe-digital-picture.com

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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.

Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM (1999) Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM
Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM (2011) Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM

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.

Canon EF 400mm f/2,8 L IS USM Canon EF 400mm f/2,8 L IS USM
Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM
Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM
Sigma EX 500mm f/4,5 HSM APO DG  Sigma EX 500mm f/4,5 HSM APO DG

Popular searches for this lens

If you want do dig deeper and look for more information about this lens you can be prepared that other photographers name and search for this lens in a lot of different ways. Here are a few of the most popular search strings:

  • Canon 500 mm f 4 IS
  • 500 mm Canon IS
  • 500 mm Canon
  • Canon 500 mm f 4
  • Canon 4 500 mm
  • Canon 4 500
  • Canon 500 mm IS
  • Canon f 4 500
Because of this we also created a special page for this.