Canon 500mm F4L IS Lens (cat not included) LOL
Excellent image stabilizer (IS) sample inside and out. No dings and works flawlessly. Includes lens, storage trunk, key for the trunk, Arca Swiss plate, 52mm rear drop in polarizing filter, standard filter.
The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Lens is a high-performance super telephoto lens, highly regarded by professional wildlife and sports photographers for its exceptional image quality and robust build.
Optical Design and Build
- Lens Construction: The lens comprises 17 elements in 13 groups, including one fluorite and one Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) element. These elements help to minimize chromatic aberrations and ensure high image quality with excellent sharpness and contrast².
- Aperture: It features a maximum aperture of f/4, which allows for significant light intake, making it suitable for low-light conditions. The aperture is constructed with 8 rounded blades, contributing to a pleasing bokeh effect².
- Coatings: Canon's Super Spectra coatings are applied to reduce ghosting and flare, ensuring high contrast and color fidelity even in challenging lighting conditions².
Image Stabilization and Autofocus
- Image Stabilization (IS): The lens includes a 3-mode Image Stabilization system. Mode 1 is for general photography, Mode 2 is optimized for panning shots, and Mode 3 activates IS only during exposure, ideal for tracking fast-moving subjects³.
- Autofocus: It utilizes a Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast, precise, and quiet autofocus. Full-time manual focus override is available, allowing for fine adjustments without switching out of AF mode².
Physical Characteristics
- Dimensions and Weight: The lens measures approximately 5.8 inches in diameter and 15.1 inches in length, weighing around 8.5 pounds (3.9 kg). Despite its size, it is relatively lightweight for a lens of its class, thanks to the use of magnesium alloy and titanium in its construction³.
- Weather Sealing: The lens is fully weather-sealed, making it resistant to dust and moisture. This ensures reliable performance in various environmental conditions³.
- Filter Size: It uses a 52mm drop-in filter system, allowing for easy insertion and removal of filters³.
Additional Features
- Focus Preset: This feature allows photographers to preset a specific focus distance. By turning the playback ring, the lens can instantly return to this distance, which is particularly useful for capturing action shots².
- Power Focus Mode: Designed for video shooting, this mode enables smooth focus transitions, enhancing the lens's versatility³.
- Tripod Mount: The lens includes a rotating tripod collar, providing stability and flexibility when mounted on a tripod².
Performance
- Image Quality: The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Lens is renowned for its sharpness, even at the maximum aperture. It delivers high-resolution images with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion².
- Bokeh: The combination of a long focal length and wide aperture produces a shallow depth of field, resulting in a beautiful, creamy bokeh that isolates subjects from the background².
Use Cases
This lens is ideal for:
- Wildlife Photography: Its long focal length allows photographers to capture distant subjects without disturbing them.
- Sports Photography: The fast autofocus and image stabilization make it perfect for capturing fast-moving athletes.
- Astrophotography: The lens's ability to gather light and its sharpness make it suitable for photographing celestial objects.
In summary, the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Lens is a powerhouse of optical performance, combining advanced technology with robust construction to meet the demands of professional photographers.