In response to the demands of professional photographers, the new Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM has been developed as successors to the EF500mm f/4L IS USM released in July 1999, respectively. Offering a level of performance befitting L (luxury)-series models, the new lenses realize improved image quality and significant weight savings, while delivering high durability, and dust-proof and moisture-proof performance, even in harsh shooting conditions.

Incorporating a new optical design incorporating two fluorite lens elements, the new EF500mm f/4L IS II USM compensate for residual chromatic aberration, enabling high-resolution, high-contrast photographic expression free of color fringing around subjects. Featuring optimized lens positioning and Canon’s proprietary Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology, the new lenses greatly minimize the flare and ghosting commonly associated with digital camera photography. In addition, a redesigned optical and mechanical structure enables the EF500mm f/4L IS II USM to achieve an 18% lighter body design, respectively, compared with the predecessor models.

The Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM include high-performance image stabilization equivalent to approximately four shutter-speed stops,^*a two-stop improvement over the previous models. Furthermore, IS MODE3, a new function ideal for use when shooting fast-paced action, such as sporting events, joins two additional IS modes that make possible blur-free image capture across a range of shooting conditions.

* Based on a shutter speed of “1/focal length” seconds, considered the limit to prevent hand shake during hand-held photography