Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens USA

  • B&H # CA5004LISEF
  • Mfr# 2532A002

Product Highlights

  • Superb Image Quality
  • 17 Elements in 13 Groups
  • Fast Auto Focusing (AF)
  • 52mm Drop-in Filter Size
  • Built-in Tripod Collar

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Canon's EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens provides AF with any EOS body even when used with the EF 1.4x Extender. Weather-resistant construction, excellent durability, superb AF speed and optical quality combine with Canon's Image Stabilization for incredible imaging potential. This lens weighs 8.53 lb (3.87 kg) so a tripod or monopod is a required accessory. A tripod collar is built into the body of the lens.

Fluorite & UD elements eliminate secondary spectrum chromatic aberration
Full-time manual focus override
AF Stop function shuts off autofocus when an obstruction appears
Dust & moisture resistance made exceptional by magnesium alloy lens barrel and new rear gasket at lens mount
Two-stage image stabilization; dual-axis camera shake correction or vertical axis only (for panning)
3-stage focus limiter
Focus preset function allows for returning to a specifically set focus by turning a ring in front of the focus ring
Performance
Focal Length 500 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/4
Minimum: f/32
Camera Mount Type Canon EF
Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Canon (APS-C)
Angle of View
Minimum Focus Distance 14.76' (4.5 m)
Magnification 0.12x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:8.3
Groups/Elements 13/17
Diaphragm Blades 8
Features
Image Stabilization Yes
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar Yes
Physical
Filter Thread 52 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 5.8 x 15.2" (14.73 x 38.61 cm)
Weight 8.53 lb (3.87 kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens
 
4.9

(based on 121 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (112)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (8)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (125)
  • Strong construction (88)
  • Consistent output (71)
  • Durable (62)
  • Rugged (59)

Cons

  • Heavy (63)

Best Uses

  • Wildlife photos (75)
  • Sports/action (65)
  • Wildlife (30)
  • Landscape/scenery (15)
  • Macro photography (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (41), Semi-pro photographer (28), Enthusiast (17), Semi-professional (8), Pro photographer (7)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (44)

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 121 customers

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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Should have bought it sooner.

By Yolo Fotoman

from Davis, CA

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

Wildlife photographer for many years and worked to "get by" with smaller lens. First day out with this lens I was able to capture some fantastic shots of Northern Pintail in flight during an afternoon sunset. The images are in sharp focus and the lens was effortless to use while mounted on Wimberley side-kick adapter. I am certain this lens will become a regularly used lens for my wildlife photography sessions.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • Yes

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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

GREAT PIECE OF KIT

By RBuddy

from Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Durable
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Rugged

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Sports/Action
  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

Purchased for photographing wildlife. Have only had limited use so far but very happy with the clarity. IS may not have been necessary because the weight means it will probably be used only with a tripod.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

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5.0

Very surprisingly this lens ! ! !

By Frippertronic

from Canada

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Durable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Nice Bokeh
  • Strong Construction

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

    Very surprisingly this lens, ok it's a bit heavier and more expensive than the Sigma 500mm, but the first photos I was amazed by the contrast, sharpness, depth of image and natural subjects that I 'I photographed. I never use a tripod, and I just tell you that the stabilization of this lens is fantastic, even when I use the 1.4x II. I spent a lot of money with other telephoto and zoom lenses that I had to replace, because the reliability and performance were inadequate.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

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    (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    I would buy this product again, and did.

    By Mac

    from Missoula, MT

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Durable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

    I have owned a Canon 500 for a few years and absolutely love it. To show how much I love it, I recently bought a second as my first was stolen from my auto about a year ago. It was a long year without it.
    I use the 500 primarily for wildlife and get some fantastic photos, at least in my judgement, even in concert with a 1.4 teleconverter. I wish it was smaller/lighter but, at 70, I can still manage it.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

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    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Takes great pictures.

    By Constantinoff Demetrius

    from Campina, ROMANIA

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Reviewer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Durable
    • Easily Interchangeable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Nice Bokeh
    • Rugged
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Sports/Action
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

    Canon 500mm f/4 IS USM is as sharp with canon EF 1.4x III Extender as with canon EF 2x III Extender. The photos have an amazing contrast !

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Great Lens

    By TacWolf

    from Los Angeles, CA

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Durable
    • Easily Interchangeable
    • Rugged
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

      Good images and resolution. Picks up the light great. Really good for stationary wildlife. Well built. Close to the weight limit for hand held.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

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      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Try it - you will buy it

      By Dixie dean

      from Chiang Mai - Thailand

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Sports/Action
      • Video
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

      This is a fantastic lens, I use it for wildlife and for sport. By sport I mean Cricket and I marry it to either 1.4 or 2x converter. Results are outstanding. I am unable to hand hold even with the IS. I use King Cobra mounted on a Gitzo carbon fibre tripod - it's like power steering for the lens. The balance is perfect - control tilt, shift, pan with ones little finger.
      Go out and try it - you will buy it for sure. I give it 110% and recommend to any serious sport, wildlife or even landscape/portrait photographer. Use as video - you have to see the results - fantastic The results are superb.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

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      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Very Nice Lens !

      By jack jaeger jr

      from pennsville nj

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Macro Photography
      • Sports/Action
      • Video
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

      I will use this lens primarily for Nature Photography.
      The biggest lens i had up to this point was the 100-400 zoom which i really like, and have had good results with.
      The 500mm f4 lens is in a whole nother class, it is much bigger than i expected, it gives me the ability to reach out and get crystal clear shots.
      Now i know how wildlife photographers are able to acheive such great shots.
      It took me almost two years to save up for this lens and i was scared to make the purchase. Now that i have i feel that i have a fantastic lens that will bring me great shots for years to come!

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Wow, is all I can say

      By Rocky

      from Umkomaas, RSA

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

      IQ is phenomenal, am blown away with the few images taken so far. Used for wildlife photography. Bulky when restricted to viewing from a vehicle, really pricey but 11 out of 10 otherwise. Good tripod and ballhead essential for truly crisp photos.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      More muscle for more muscle!!!

      By CUDA

      from Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

      Muscle car of lenses!!! This lens gets the job done and then some but you better have some guns on ya or get a gym membership. Definately don't skimp out and get yourself a GOOD tripod/head and you'll be happy you did. Definately recomend this to anyone who needs the range this lens will get for you.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Canon 500MM F4 L IS lens review

      By Anupam Dash

      from Waterloo, Canada

      About Me Pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Lightweight
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Sports/Action
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

        This is the dream lens I have purchased. This is very fast in focus. Gives uniform background and DoF. Very sharp and works almost like the God of wildlife photography.

        Thanks
        Anupam

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        EF 500 f/4L

        By nmce

        from massachusetts

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Reviewer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Nice Bokeh
        • Rugged
        • Strong Construction
        • Stunning image quality

        Cons

        • Pricey but worth it

        Best Uses

        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

        This is a remarkable lens. Image sharpness has to been seen to be believed and IQ suffers not a bit with a 1.4x extender attached. The autofocus is spot on. This lens requires a sturdy tripod setup, but I have been able to shoot hand held for short periods of time if the situation calls for it

        It is pricey and its certainly not an everyday lens, but if you are in the market for a 500mm lens, look no further. This is without a doubt the one to get.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Wonderful Lens

        By Wetlands

        from Michigan

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Greater enjoyment

        Cons

        • Large

        Best Uses

        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

        Wondered if this lens would be too heavy for me. It's not. I mainly used it on a Wimberley gimbal or out the car window. I don't carry my scope anymore at all; just love watching through the lens. Similar to a macro lens in that it enables me to photograph things I would never catch naked eye. Very beautiful lens.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Don't hesitate - just buy it!

        By wizentrop

        from Israel

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Nice Bokeh
        • Rugged
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Expensive
        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Astrophotography
        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Night Photography
        • Sports/Action
        • Video
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

        This lens is a huge jump for any photographer, and I cannot stress it enough. It delivers superb image quality. I use it with my EOS 7D, mainly for wildlife photography. For bird photography it is just perfect. I use it also to capture videos of birds and animals from a good distance without disturbing them. But why limiting yourself to just one or two uses for this lens? We had a lunar eclipse last night and I was using this lens to get shots of the red moon and they came out perfect. So it is good also for astrophotography. Not exactly a telescope, but close enough.
        I use this lens hand held only because I find tripods very limiting. However, what people say is true - this lens is heavy and takes some time to get use too. If you use it hand held frequently you will have sore hand muscles at first, but after a while you will develope some muscle mass (and that's another advantage...). There is nothing to not love about this lens! If you are thinking about buying it and can't decide - just get it. You will not regret it for sure.

        Share this review

         
        4.0

        An amazing lens!

        By PhotoExpresser

        from New Philadelphia, Ohio

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Sports/Action
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

        I use this lens for landscapes and wildlife/nature. I also add a 2x extension with it to double it's abilities. The results are fantastic. The two problems I incurred with it was the weight being so heavy, which makes it crucial to be careful when handling it. The second problem was the screw mechanism on the hood. It would not release the hood from the lens and had to be sent in for repair. This was a week after receiving it.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        What took me so long?

        By MMACANDREW

        from Sarasota, Florida

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Durable
        • SHARP SHARP SHARP
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • NONE

        Best Uses

        • Sports/Action
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

        Sharp!
        Easy to use with the Wimberley Gimbal!
        Easy to use with a Monopod!
        Price? It's worth every penny and a bargain compared to the newest generation of lens' (What's two pounds)
        I never knew the Birds were so sharp and the Burrowing Owls look huge okay the owl thing was due to my exuberance.
        Got it? GET IT!

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Need Zoom?

        By H20fowl

        from Newport, Wa.

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Great quality
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Heavy but manageable

        Best Uses

        • Sports/Action
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

        I was going back and forth on purchasing this lens but knew that I needed something better and stronger then my current 70 - 200 f2.8, I made the jump and when it arrived I was impressed - clear and sharp photo's when coupled with a tri-pod(hand holding is a little shaky but can be done. I use this for waterfowl photography and alone it is a great lens, when it's coupled with the 1.4 extender it is awesome! You'll want to get a tripod with a gimbal/wimberly type head for any action shots.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Astounding super telephoto quality...

        By Jeri Ann

        from Huntsville, AL

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Image quality
        • Reliable Focusing
        • Rugged

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Birding
        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

        I upgraded to this lens from a Sigma 500 f4.5, also a very good lens, but I am amazed by the quality of images acquired by the EF 500mm f/4L IS. I am using this lens on an EOS 7D for my wildlife and bird photography, and both with or without the 1.4X teleconverter, this lens is a real winner. The only thing I might change is the lens plate. I am using the Kirk LP8 that fit the Sigma fine, but I find it a tad too long for this lens. Although many can hand-hold this lens, I cannot, and use mine mounted on a Wimberly Gimbal II head/Gitzo 3531S, where handling is a breeze. This is the first super telephoto lens I've owned with IS, and it must certainly attribute to the image quality. I also got the Lenscoat covers for my lens, and find that all the buttons and setting work quite well with the covers protecting the lens. Having worked with the Sigma for a time, the EF 500mm is about a pound heavier, and the long hood makes it appear much larger, but the additional weight is not that noticeable to me. It also comes with a very nice carrying case for transporting the lens, but for trekking in the outdoors, I found the Think Tank Glass Taxi a good choice. It has been my dream to own such a fantastic imaging device, and the wait has been well worth it, it's a major purchase for myself and many photographers, but I highly recommend this lens to anyone serious about nature, bird and wildlife photography.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        my best purchase

        By Carsten, RacePhotos

        from Brazil

        About Me Pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Sports/Action

        Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

        my best purchase
        For my work, it's perfect.
        I'm motorsport Photografer.
        Thanks Canon and B&H

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Incredibly Beautiful Lens

        By capphoto

        from Marion, IN

        About Me Pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Nice Bokeh
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Sports/Action
        • Weddings/Events
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens:

        I'm a University photographer and I use this lens for sports, events, and to capture students around campus. This lens is great because of its ability to capture such a sharp image with a quick focus and incredible glass. The only complaint that I have about the lens is the weight. You pretty much need a mono pod all the time. I do use it without a mono pod once in awhile, but it is a work out!

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