Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM
A professional telephoto lens for full-frame Canon EF mount cameras, with image stabilization and ultrasonic autofocus.
Overview
This is a high-end 500mm telephoto from Canon, part of the professional L series. It's made for full-frame cameras. The angle of view is a narrow 5° and maximum magnification is 0.12x. Focusing is inner focusing, driven by an Ultrasonic Motor (USM), which helps keep the lens balanced and quick during autofocus. Canon introduced it around May 2011 and built it for demanding work like professional action photography.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 500mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
| Features | Image Stabilization (IS), Ultrasonic Motor (USM) |
| Filter Size | 52mm Drop-In |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.7m |
| Lens Construction | 16 elements in 12 groups |
| Angle of View (Full-frame) | 5° |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.12x |
| Length | 383mm |
| Max. Diameter | 146mm |
| Series | Canon EF L Series |
Design
Inner focusing means the barrel doesn't extend when the lens focuses. The USM keeps autofocus fast and quiet. Image Stabilization (IS) reduces camera shake. The optics are 16 elements in 12 groups. The filter system is a 52mm drop-in design, which is typical for large telephotos.
Market
The original price was around $9,499, so this was a premium tool for professionals. The Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM has since succeeded it for mirrorless systems. Refurbished units have been listed at $8,099, and used prices have been seen as low as $6,433.
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