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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

EF 500mm f4 IS L USM

Canon 500mm
Manufacturer
Canon

Item details

Canon 500mm f 4 L IS USM Lens
High quality fast telephoto lens with Image Stabiliser

Closest focus 4.5m
Filter size 52mm drop in
Lens hood provided
Weight 3870g

Latest reviews

Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • Easy to hand hold all day, excellent with TCs, razor sharp images
Cons
  • None, except wish I'd bought one sooner
This is simply the BEST all around wildlife photography lens, as it opens up new opportunities for all kinds of wildlife photography. Period. Not just birds, but for most mammals as well. It is still excellent for smaller birds if you can get close enough and are not afraid of using a 2x converter. I've also found that if I am close to a subject and I stack the Canon EF 1.4x and 2x converters together I can get very useable images! No bull. Overall, the only mods I've got are a Kirk LP-53 replacement lens foot and a forest green lenscoat lenscap. Beats the Canon lens cap. Pain in the backside that is! I find the lens easy to handhold for hours on end and would recommend a tripod for most shooting when using a 2x. Highly recommend it!
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • Sharp
Cons
  • weight
I also own the Sigma 300mm f2.8 EX DG and 500mm F 4.5 EX DG lens. As well as the Canon 300mm F2.8 IS and 500mm IS of course. The Canon smokes the Sigma hands down. Don't wast your money. I am selling my Sigma this year. Amazing quality and optics. Pretty much what everyone else says.
Recommended
Yes
Price
0$
Pros
  • Brilliant lens
Cons
  • Lousy accessories
I suspect there cannot be anyone with a complaint about this lens. It is just superb - pin-sharp wide open. I now check for sharpness at 100% & I sometimes see myself reflected in the eyes of wild birds!!!

The accessories are a completely different story. Don't let them put you off - simply replace them to make a brilliant lens perfect. My recommendations are in brackets.

The gorgeous case supplied does not comply with airline hand-luggage rules - (Think Tank)

The lens cap is the worst thing since unsliced bread - (AquaTech Soft Cap)

Finally, for the icing on the cake... a replacement foot from Kirk Enterprises for quick release heads, and camoflage from LensCoat

Item information

Category
SLR & MFT (micro four thirds) Lenses
Added by
Andy Bright
Views
40,157
Reviews
14
Last update
Rating
5.00 star(s) 14 ratings

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