Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM
Canon Feb 2011
Canon Full frame

Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM

This is a full-frame prime lens for Canon EF, covering 500 mm and a maximum aperture of f/4. It weighs 3190 g and includes optical stabilization, and was released in 2011. That combination suits wildlife and sports photography.

It is a prime lens designed for full frame cameras. This super-telephoto prime lens features a f/4 maximum aperture, making it ideal for wildlife, sports, aviation. The optical design incorporates 16 elements / 12 groups, ensuring sharp image quality and minimal distortion. Despite its robust professional construction, the lens delivers exceptional optical performance.

f/4
Aperture
500mm
Focal
3190 g
Weight
Feb 2011
Released
Canon site

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Good for wildlifesports
Aviation
§ 01

Specification

Manufacturer data
Focal length
500 mm
Maximum aperture
f/4
Minimum aperture
f/32
Number of diaphragm blades
9
Optical construction
16 elements / 12 groups
Minimum focusing distance
3.7 m (145.67 inches)
Filter size
52 mm
Lens mount
Canon EF
Dimensions
146 x 383 mm
Weight
3190 g (112.52 oz)
Lens type
Prime lens
Image stabilization
Yes
Max Format size
Full frame
Aperture ring
No
Usage
Wildlife, Sports, Aviation

Wide open at 2 m, background blur ≈ 116% of the frame width

Report an error
§ 02

Sample frames

Shot on the Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM
Keel-billed Toucan in the rain
01 Keel-billed Toucan in the rain by Aves Lux
Barred Owl [03.15.26]
02 Barred Owl [03.15.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
Barred Owl [03.15.26]
03 Barred Owl [03.15.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
Common Grackle [03.09.26]
04 Common Grackle [03.09.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
Vigilant
05 Vigilant by The Wasp Factory
1DX34661 View Large. Black-crowned night heron gone fishing. Kāʻanapali, Maui Hawaii
06 1DX34661 View Large. Black-crowned night heron gone fishing. Kāʻanapali, Maui Hawaii by E.W. Smit Wildlife
Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26]
07 Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26]
08 Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
Long-tailed Tit
09 Long-tailed Tit by Aves Lux
Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26]
10 Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26]
11 Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
Pair of Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26]
12 Pair of Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
Pair of Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26]
13 Pair of Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
Waiting for the right moment
14 Waiting for the right moment by The Wasp Factory
Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26]
15 Red Shouldered Hawk [03.09.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
1DX34568 View Large. Black-crowned night heron gone fishing. Kāʻanapali, Maui Hawaii
16 1DX34568 View Large. Black-crowned night heron gone fishing. Kāʻanapali, Maui Hawaii by E.W. Smit Wildlife
Mockingbird [03.09.26]
17 Mockingbird [03.09.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
Stock Dove
18 Stock Dove by Aves Lux
Mockingbird [03.09.26]
19 Mockingbird [03.09.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
Canada Goose [03.09.26]
20 Canada Goose [03.09.26] by Andrew H Wagner | AHWagner Photo
§ 03

Video reviews

3 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Video Review 1
Video thumbnail for Video Review 2
Video thumbnail for Video Review 3
§ 04

Similar lenses

Canon · same class
§ 05

Compare with

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