Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM

Canon

Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM

📏 500mm 🔌 Canon EF Mount 🎯 Prime ⚖️ 3870g 📷 IS 🌧️ Sealed
MSRP $7,000

PhotoWorkout Score

Our composite editorial score for this product. Updated 2026-06-14.

How we score ›
ComponentWeightScore
Customer Reviews 35% 91.5
Technical Analysis 30% 60.0
Market Position 20% 65.0
Value Proposition 15% 62.0

Age adjustment: ×0.85 (older models get a slight downward adjustment so newer products with current technology are fairly represented).

📖 Overview

The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM is a professional-grade super-telephoto prime lens known for its exceptional image quality and fast aperture. It's designed for wildlife, sports, and action photography, delivering stunning results in demanding situations. Its size, weight, and cost make it a specialized tool for serious professionals.

📸 Browse 24 real-world sample photos taken with this lens by photographers worldwide on SampleShots.

📋 Specifications

Focal Length 500mm
Lens Type Prime
Mount Canon EF
AF Motor USM
Image Stabilization Yes
Autofocus Yes
Weather Sealed Yes
Min Focus Distance 4.5 cm
Max Magnification 0.12x
Elements / Groups 17 elements in 13 groups
Aperture Blades 8
Filter Diameter 52mm
Weight 3870g
Dimensions 146.0 x 387.0mm
Release Year 1999
MSRP $7,000

🛒 Where to Buy the Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM

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🖼️ Sample Photos

Real-world photos taken with the Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM, sourced from SampleShots.

📷 Compatible Cameras

Native Mount

+ 29 more compatible cameras

🔄 Via Adapter (24 cameras)

🔄 Other Canon Lenses