Canon U.S.A. Announces Two New Telephoto Lenses: EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM And EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM

[James Shadle]

The new EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM super-telephoto lenses deliver incredible image quality at all apertures for professional photographers and filmmakers.

More... (http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/about_canon?pageKeyCode=pressreldetail&docId=0901e02480288843)

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Sports and Nature Photography
The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM offers professional photographers a lighter weight option for those situations that require a long focal length with improved image quality and enhanced durability over its predecessor. Great for a wide range of applications, the EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens is ideal for professional photojournalism, sports photography and nature and wildlife photography. The optical formula of the new lens has been enhanced to include two fluorite lens elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Helping to reduce photographer fatigue and make the lens more portable, Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by 18 percent from 136.5 oz to 112.5 oz. The Image Stabilizer provides an equivalent of approximately four full shutter speed steps of shake compensation and has been enhanced through the incorporation of a rolling-ball-friction system in place of sliding parts in the compensation optics barrel for a minimum-friction structure. The overall durability of the lens has also been enhanced through increased usage of magnesium alloy and titanium for lens barrel components, together with weather sealing for all exterior joints and switches and a new fluorine anti-smear coating applied to the front and rear elements.
The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens is expected to be available in May for an approximate retail price of $9,499.00.
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Wildlife and Photojournalism
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM is the successor to the current EF 600mm IS lens first introduced in 1999. This new lens has been engineered for outstanding optical performance and durability and includes two new fluorite lens elements for improved quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Helping photographers in the field, Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by a substantial 27 percent from 189.1 oz to 138.3 oz. The Image Stabilizer provides an equivalent of approximately four full shutter speed steps of shake compensation and has been enhanced through the incorporation of a rolling-ball-friction system in place of sliding parts in the compensation optics barrel for a minimum-friction structure. The overall durability of the lens has also been enhanced through increased usage of magnesium alloy and titanium for lens barrel components, together with weather sealing for all exterior joints and switches and a new fluorine anti-smear coating is applied to the front and rear elements.
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens is expected to be available in June for an approximate retail price of $11,999.00.

[James Shadle]

Looks like Nikon prices!

[James Shadle]

MTF data for the 600mm

[James Shadle]

MTF data for 500mm

[David Pugsley]

I'm no MTF chart expert, but I believe what I'm seeing here is amazing.

[Ken Watkins]

If I was a banker I could get two of each, I wonder how expensive they will be outside USA?

I was hoping that the 500mm would drop in weight more dramitacally, but anything is helpful.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Since people will most likely want to jump in and buy these new super teles I would be happy to consider the purchase of one of their old and very obsolete Canon 500 f/4L IS USM (which would not be a good photography lens anymore) for under US$3,000 including insurance and courier to Australia! :eek: :t3 :t3

[Humberto Ramos]

I was thinking in buying the "old" EF 500mm f/4 L IS I USM this month, but now I dont know...

[John Chardine]

I'm no MTF chart expert, but I believe what I'm seeing here is amazing.

David- It is my understanding that Canon produces their MTF charts from theory rather than practice. As I am not sure how good their optical models are to predict MTF, it is difficult to interpret what they provide without a good deal of faith, which is not very scientific. I am not doubting the quality of the lenses. I own the 500/4 and it's the best lens I've ever used. Whether in reality the lenses live up to their MTF charts from Canon is unknown.

I agree with the OP, the prices are getting quite ridiculous, and the differences between UK/Europe and North America are doubly so.

[Bill Stubbs]

A 7 lb. 500 f4? A 600 f4 with the weight of the current 500 (quite manageable)? Definitely on my menu! *slurp* *drool*:S3: Based on past history (see 400 f2.8 IS II), I'll believe those supposed "availability dates" when they happen, but still. I'm not crazy about the price, but I may save the difference in less Icy Hot and fewer chiropractic bills !:bg3:

[Doug Schurman]

I was thinking in buying the "old" EF 500mm f/4 L IS I USM this month, but now I dont know...

I just made this decision a couple weeks ago. With the announcement of price increases for Feb 1st I bought the 500 f4 even though I knew newer versions were coming out in the next year or so.

My thinking is that if the new lenses do proves to be much better I could still have greater satisfactions and save money by buying the older version now. The new lens will be more expensive but will drop down in 1-2 years after release. I figure the drop in price will be greater than the amount of loss I would take on selling my used 500 f4 in a couple years. Also, I get to use the 500 f4 right now and do not have to wait. That is worth additional money to me too.

When I made this decision I figured Canon was going to take longer than May for the 500 f4 II but I think my reasoning will still hold true.

[Humberto Ramos]

I just made this decision a couple weeks ago. With the announcement of price increases for Feb 1st I bought the 500 f4 even though I knew newer versions were coming out in the next year or so.

My thinking is that if the new lenses do proves to be much better I could still have greater satisfactions and save money by buying the older version now. The new lens will be more expensive but will drop down in 1-2 years after release. I figure the drop in price will be greater than the amount of loss I would take on selling my used 500 f4 in a couple years. Also, I get to use the 500 f4 right now and do not have to wait. That is worth additional money to me too.

When I made this decision I figured Canon was going to take longer than May for the 500 f4 II but I think my reasoning will still hold true.

I agree with you, probably still buy the "old" 500mm...

[Arthur Morris]

Always good to live life now. All that any us are guaranteed is the next breath-and sometimes not even that.

To see my comments on the new gear click here (http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2011/02/07/worth-the-weight-the-skinny-on-the-two-new-canon-super-telephoto-lenses/).

[Ian Cassell]

Ouch! I was dreaming of owning a 500 some day and now I'm sure, if it ever happens, it will be the older version. These prices are outrageous.

I'll be curious to see the price on the new 200-400mm f/4 that they also just announced. I might be able to replace my Sigma 100-300mm f/4 and my Canon 400mm f/5.6 with that one if it is not too outlandish.

[Doug Brown]

The 600mm is mine for sure. I'm having a hard time deciding between the new 400 f/2.8, 500 f/4, and 200-400 f/4 as my second lens. Decisions, decisions! :bg3:

[Humberto Ramos]

The 600mm is mine for sure. I'm having a hard time deciding between the new 400 f/2.8, 500 f/4, and 200-400 f/4 as my second lens. Decisions, decisions! :bg3:

If I had money and a new 600mm, I would choose the 200-400mm for backup...

I want to buy a 500mm (don't have money for the 600mm) but I have a sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 that I always use with 1.4 TC (I have to sell it to get some extra money for the 500mm), but I must say that a zoom in certain situations is the best option.
If I had some more money, even without IS, I would keep my sigma... :(

[John Chardine]

Is there really a Canon 200-400mm coming out? If I've missed this I guess I must have been on Mars.

[Humberto Ramos]

Always good to live life now. All that any us are guaranteed is the next breath-and sometimes not even that.

To see my comments on the new gear click here (http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2011/02/07/worth-the-weight-the-skinny-on-the-two-new-canon-super-telephoto-lenses/).

I agree with you Arthur, but the new lens are too much tempting...

I really don't know If I should buy the older or the new 500mmm :2

[Arthur Morris]

Doug, If the 600 is yours, the 2-4 does seem like a no-brainer choice for your second lens, unless you drop down to the 70-200 IS II.... My belief is that the 200-400 with the 1.4TC embedded or ??? will be most useful on safari and for grizzlies at close range (as in Katmai).

I do believe that the 70-200 would better complement the 600 II for most North American bird photography situations than the 200-400....

[pradeep jain]

Hello Friends Can we Pre Order the 600mm lens NOW, if so where would be the best place.
Thanks in Advance

[Doug Brown]

Hello Friends Can we Pre Order the 600mm lens NOW, if so where would be the best place.
Thanks in Advance

I just preordered mine from Gary at Hunt's. Had to put down a $1,000 deposit. Gary's always treated me very well.

[Pao Dolina]

Always good to live life now. All that any us are guaranteed is the next breath-and sometimes not even that.

To see my comments on the new gear click here (http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2011/02/07/worth-the-weight-the-skinny-on-the-two-new-canon-super-telephoto-lenses/).
Read your response and I have question for you.

In light of the MTF chart and published weight & MSRP would you be inclined to sell your 800mm IS for a 600mm IS II + 1.4x Extender III?

Also if you starting from scratch would you go for the 800mm IS or a 600mm IS II + 1.4x Extender III?

As always your response is invaluable.

[James Fuller]

Go Canon Go! Wish I could buy them all. Exciting to finally gets the specs on these lenses and also a nice surprise to hear about the 200-400.

[Erik Hagstrom]

I too am curious on others thoughts of how a new 600mm with the new 1.4x would compare to the 800mm. I have a type I 500mm and will likely sell it, but am in a bit of a quandary over the choice of 600mm versus 800mm for birds.

[Ian Cassell]

Hey Erik. I know Artie Morris has the 800 and loves it You might consider PM'ing him.

[Doug Schurman]

Artie on his bulletin said

The new 600 IS II offers far greater versatility than the 800mm and offers a longer effective focal length with functioning central sensor-only autofocus (1200mm with the 2X for the 600 IS II as compared to 1120mm with the 1.4X for the 800). In addition, the new 600 weighs 1.1 pounds less than the 800.

I would go for the new 600 myself over the 800. The 800 could be too long in some situations, you'll actually get slightly longer focal length with the 1.4X on the 600 at f5.6 compared to the 800. Finally, the new 600 is just over 1 pound lighter than the 800.

[Doug Brown]

The 600 also has significantly better close focus than the 800 (something like 5 feet closer).

[Arthur Morris]

Don't forget 600 + 2X III = 1200mm and don't forget possibly much greater AI Servo accuracy with the Series III TCs. At this point I am not at all sure that I will keep the 800. I do love it right now.... In part because of its incredible sharpness....

[Arthur Morris]

Here's an example. 800 alone with the Mark IV. At f/8.