Skip to product overview

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is a 500mm f/4 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Used copies start from $4,772.58 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

Own One Like This?

Make room for more gear in minutes!

Sell your Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM on GearFocus
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM — image 1
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM — image 2
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM — image 3
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM — image 4
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM — image 5
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM — image 6
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM — image 7
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM — image 8

Canon EF 500mm f4 L IS II USM Lens

Condition: Excellent

Product Highlights

  • 500mm Super Telephoto Prime Lens
  • Fast f/4 Maximum Aperture
  • 4-Stop Image Stabilization
  • Weather-Sealed Construction

Sell your Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM on GearFocus

$4,772.58

🚚 Free Shipping

As low as $267/mo or interest free with

Shop with confidence. GearFocus Buyer Protection is included with every purchase.

Used Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Listings on GearFocus

Canon EF 500mm f4 L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 500mm f4 L IS II USM Lens

Excellent

$4,772.58

🚚 Free Shipping

Lens Overview — Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is a professional-grade super telephoto prime lens built for the Canon EF mount, covering a full-frame image circle. With a fixed focal length of 500mm and a maximum aperture of f/4, it delivers strong light-gathering capability at extreme working distances — a combination that makes it a go-to choice for photographers pursuing distant subjects. The lens supports both autofocus and manual focus operation, giving shooters flexibility depending on the shooting scenario.

Optical image stabilization is built in, helping to manage camera shake at this focal length. The filter thread measures 52mm, which is notably compact for a lens of this size class. Weighing in at 3,190g, this is a substantial piece of kit that will typically require a monopod or tripod for extended sessions in the field.

Designed specifically for Canon EF-mount DSLR systems, it is compatible with Canon's full range of EF-mount camera bodies. The lens falls squarely into the super telephoto focal length range, making it well suited for applications where reaching distant subjects with a fast, fixed aperture is the primary goal. It is a prime lens, meaning there is no zoom — photographers work with the dedicated 500mm perspective.

Key Features — Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

500mm f/4 Prime: A fixed 500mm focal length with a fast f/4 maximum aperture delivers strong light gathering at extreme working distances, useful for wildlife, sports, and aviation photography.

4-Stop Image Stabilization: Canon's second-generation IS system provides up to 4 stops of shake correction, enabling sharper handheld or monopod-supported shooting in the field.

Ring-Type USM Autofocus: Canon's ring-type Ultrasonic Motor delivers fast, near-silent autofocus with full-time manual override, critical for tracking unpredictable subjects at distance.

Full-Frame EF Coverage: Designed for Canon's full-frame EF-mount DSLRs, it is also compatible with APS-C bodies where it provides an effective 800mm equivalent focal length.

Fluorite & UD Elements: The optical formula includes fluorite and Ultra-low Dispersion glass elements to suppress chromatic aberration and maintain edge-to-edge sharpness at wide apertures.

Magnesium Alloy Construction: The barrel uses a magnesium alloy structure with dust and moisture sealing throughout, making it suitable for professional use in outdoor and adverse weather conditions.

Lens Specifications — Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesWildlife, Sports, Birding
Lens TypePrime
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length500mm
Maximum Aperturef/4
Camera SystemDSLR
Lens MountCanon EF
AutofocusYes
Focus TypeAuto, Manual
Image StabilizationOptical
Filter Thread52mm

Description — Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is a prime super telephoto lens designed for the Canon EF mount, offering full-frame coverage at a fixed focal length of 500mm. The maximum aperture of f/4 provides solid light-gathering performance at extreme distances, making it a serious tool when reach and speed matter together. Optical image stabilization is built into the lens, providing a meaningful advantage when shooting in lower light or at slower shutter speeds. Focus options include both autofocus and manual focus, ensuring versatility across a wide range of shooting conditions.

The front element accepts 52mm filters — a practical specification given the lens's size class. Tipping the scales at 3,190g, this lens demands respect in terms of physical handling; a monopod or tripod will be the standard companion in the field. As a dedicated Canon EF-mount DSLR lens, it integrates natively with Canon's full-frame and APS-C EF-mount bodies.

For photographers who need a committed 500mm prime with a fast f/4 aperture and built-in optical stabilization, this lens delivers a focused, no-compromise specification set.

Pros — Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

  • ✓Fast maximum aperture of f/4 for a 500mm super telephoto prime, supporting strong light gathering at long distances
  • ✓Full-frame coverage via the Canon EF mount ensures compatibility with Canon's complete EF-mount DSLR lineup
  • ✓Built-in optical image stabilization helps control camera shake at this demanding focal length

Cons — Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

  • ✗At 3,190g, the lens is very heavy and will demand dedicated support — monopod or tripod use is essentially required for sustained shooting
  • ✗Fixed 500mm focal length offers no zoom flexibility; photographers must reposition to reframe
  • ✗Large physical footprint typical of super telephoto primes limits portability and travel convenience

Reviews — Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

Resources & Downloads — Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Canon EF mount, making it compatible with Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras. It is designed for full-frame coverage, though it can also be used on APS-C Canon DSLRs with the same EF mount.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens includes optical image stabilization. This helps reduce the effects of camera shake, which is especially valuable when handholding or shooting at slower shutter speeds with a 500mm focal length.
What is the filter thread size on this lens?+
The front filter thread is 52mm. For a super telephoto prime of this focal length and aperture, a 52mm thread size is relatively manageable compared to many competing options in this class.
How heavy is this lens and will I need a tripod?+
The lens weighs 3,190g. At that weight and focal length, a tripod or monopod is strongly recommended for most shooting sessions to maintain stability and reduce fatigue.
Is this lens a zoom or a prime?+
It is a prime lens with a fixed focal length of 500mm. There is no zoom capability, so reframing requires physically moving closer to or farther from the subject.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus. This dual focus mode availability gives photographers the option to switch between AF for fast-moving subjects and manual control when precise focus placement is needed.

Similar to Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

Loading similar products...