Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

Our thoughts

"The Canon 500mm f/4L IS II is a lens built for precision, reliability, and clarity — a true workhorse for wildlife and sports photographers. Its balance of sharpness, fast autofocus, and reduced weight make it one of Canon’s finest supertelephoto lenses to handle in the field. Try it with the newer RF mount cameras by using the RF - EF adapter."

- Will, Founder

Product description

Rent the Canon 500mm f/4L IS II for incredible reach, razor-sharp detail, and professional-grade optical performance. This lens is part of Canon’s elite L-series lineup, offering outstanding image quality and rugged construction for demanding outdoor conditions.

The updated optical design includes fluorite elements that greatly reduce chromatic aberration while enhancing sharpness and contrast across the frame. A lighter, more durable magnesium-alloy build reduces overall weight by 20% compared to its predecessor, making long handheld or monopod sessions far more manageable. The lens’s refined 4-stop Image Stabilization system, fast ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) autofocus, and electronic Power Focus mode combine to deliver consistently crisp, stable results in the field.

Key features

• 500mm f/4 L-series supertelephoto lens for Canon EF-mount cameras

• Fluorite optics for superior sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration

• 4-stop Image Stabilization with 3 IS modes for static and panning shots

• Electronic Power Focus mode for smooth, controllable focus transitions

• 20% lighter design (1.5 lbs less than the original version)

• Dust- and water-resistant build for professional field use

Performance & operation

The Canon 500mm f/4L IS II delivers exceptional optical quality and precision. Its fluorite elements minimise colour fringing, even in high-contrast environments, while maintaining edge-to-edge clarity. The 4-stop stabilisation system offers three modes — standard, panning, and exposure-only activation — providing flexibility for fast-moving wildlife or sports subjects. Autofocus is fast and silent, and the Power Focus mode enables smooth focus pulls for video applications.

The redesigned body improves weight distribution and handling. At just over 7 lbs, it’s lighter and more balanced than the previous generation, making it ideal for handheld tracking or extended use on a monopod. The weather-sealed magnesium-alloy construction ensures reliability in extreme environments, while the repositioned controls make operation intuitive, even with gloves.

Why rent the Canon 500mm f/4L IS II?

The Canon 500mm f/4L IS II is a top choice for professional wildlife, sports, and nature photographers who demand image quality, durability, and performance. Its improved stabilisation, reduced weight, and superb optical precision make it a practical upgrade from the original 500mm f/4L IS — delivering sharper results and better handling in the field.

Whether you’re capturing distant wildlife in natural light or isolating subjects at a sporting event, this lens provides the reach and performance needed for professional results. With its combination of speed, accuracy, and balance, it’s one of the most versatile supertelephotos Canon has ever made.

Rent the Canon 500mm f/4L IS II from Canada Camera Rentals and experience flagship optical performance in a refined, field-ready design.