Product Summary
- Model name: Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM
- Release Date: February 7, 2011
- Focus Type: Autofocus / Manual
- Format : Full Frame
- Mounts: Canon EF
- Color: White
- Availability: May 2011
- Price: $9,499.00
- Purchase options: Amazon | Adorama | B&H
Overview
Canon decided to revamp the famed EF 500mm f/4.0 L IS USM and launch an II version of the lens. They packed a few interesting features too to make this lens even better than the predecessor. One of these features is not obvious however and one has to pick up the lens mounted to a camera to understand it; this lens is light! The fluorite optics has been completely redesigned leading to reduced color fringing.
Apart from IS I and IS II modes Canon also developed a third IS (Image stabilization) mode which engages the image stabilization system only when the shutter button is fully pressed. This eliminates the lens trying to compensate for camera movements when composing the frame. Overall image stabilization system in the lens provides it up to four stops of compensation against camera shake (or four stops faster shutter speed when hand-held). The angle of view is super narrow at only 5°. Auto-focusing performance is very good and the ring-type USM (ultra-sonic motor) technology ensures that this lens does not disappoint.
The overall construction has been made a tag lighter with the introduction of magnesium and titanium elements. Weather sealing makes the lens one of the best in the business for the purpose of dust and water resistance. Pro users would love the fact that they don’t need to take a rain check when leaving for an assignment. This is certainly a wild-life photographer’s dream come true. The lens consists of 16 elements arranged in 12 groups. The external dimensions of the lens are 5.7″ x 15.1″ and it weighs 3190 grams. It takes a filter of size 52mm. Available at Amazon | Adorama | B&H
Images by Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS on Flickr
Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM Specifications
| Angle of view | H: 4°, V: 2°45′,D: 5° |
|---|---|
| Construction (elements/groups) | 16/12 |
| No. of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Min aperture | 32 |
| Closest focusing distance (m) | 3.7 |
| Max magnification (x) | 0.15 |
| Distance information | Provided |
| Image stabilizer | 4-stops |
| AF Motor | Ring USM |
| Dust/moisture resistance | Yes |
| Filter Size (mm) | 52 Drop in |
| Max. diameter x length (mm) | 146 x 383 |
| Weight (g) | 3190 |
| Magnification – Extension Tube EF12 II | 0.18-0.03 |
| Magnification – Extension Tube EF25 II | 0.22-0.06 |
| Lens hood | ET-138 (WII) |
| Soft case | Lens Case 500B |
| G.F.Holder III (hood III*) | NC (Use 52mm drop in filter holder) |
| G.F.Holder IV (hood IV*) | NC (Use 52mm drop in filter holder) |
| Extenders EF1.4x II and EF2x II | Compatible |
Product Images
Purchase options
EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM available at Amazon | Adorama | B&H