Post by USM on Nov 1, 2010 1:38:15 GMT 8
The EF 500mm f4.5L USM was my second super telephoto lens that I preowned. As the focal length speaks for itself, this lens is generally use for sports/wildlife photography. Being a nature photographer myself, this lens definitely serves me very well.
Specifications :
This lens is quite light and compact in its class; weighting at 3kg comparing to the successor EF 500mm f4L IS USM which stands at 3.87kg. A short period of hand holding is possible as long as the lighting condition is favorable. High picture quality from maximum aperture is realized by an optical system incorporating artificial crystal fluorite and UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass lens elements(2nd & 4th), which eliminate chromatic aberrations. High-speed and silent AF with full-time manual focusing, focus-preset mechanism and power manual focusing sensitivity control, are ensured by a ring USM(Ultrasonic Motor) and inner focusing system. It is also compatible with both EF 1.4X and EF 2X with manual focusing. However, if you are using the 1D-series, then it is still possible to AF when you attached the EF 1.4x extender. The only drawback is that you can only use the center focusing point. This is not bad afterall; at least you are still able to AF. As for the 2x extender, it has to be manual focusing. Too bad...
Little Tern
EOS 30D, EF 500mm f4.5L USM
1/500 sec, f10, ISO 400
White-throated Kingfisher
EOS 30D, EF 500mm f4.5L USM
1/160 sec, f8, ISO 200
Pink-necked Green Pigeon
EOS 30D, EF 500mm f4.5L USM
1/400 sec, f8, ISO 400
How's the quality like if an extender EF 1.4x is being used? The degrading in quality is minimal. See for yourself.
Stork-billed Kingfisher
EOS 1D mk II N, EF 500mm f4.5L USM + EF 1.4x TC II
1/250 sec, f6.3, ISO 200
Pacific Shallow
EOS 1D mk III, EF 500mm f4.5L USM + EF 1.4x TC II
1/320 sec, f7.1, ISO 400
Despite being more than 10 years old, its performance cannot be undermined. This lens had already been discontinued in the market. Hence, if you happened to have a chance to find a good condition piece in the second hand market, you may want to consider getting this lens for wildlife photography. At least you do not need to burn too much hole in your pocket comparing to the IS version.
Specifications :
| Marketed | March 1992 |
| Lens Construction (group) | 7 |
| Lens Construction (element) | 8 |
| No. of Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Minimum Aperture | 32 |
| Closest Focusing Distance (m) | 5 |
| Maximum Magnifcation (x) | 0.11 |
| Filter Diameter (mm) | 48 |
| Maximum Diameter x Length (mm) | 130 x 390 |
| Weight (g) | 3,000 |
This lens is quite light and compact in its class; weighting at 3kg comparing to the successor EF 500mm f4L IS USM which stands at 3.87kg. A short period of hand holding is possible as long as the lighting condition is favorable. High picture quality from maximum aperture is realized by an optical system incorporating artificial crystal fluorite and UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass lens elements(2nd & 4th), which eliminate chromatic aberrations. High-speed and silent AF with full-time manual focusing, focus-preset mechanism and power manual focusing sensitivity control, are ensured by a ring USM(Ultrasonic Motor) and inner focusing system. It is also compatible with both EF 1.4X and EF 2X with manual focusing. However, if you are using the 1D-series, then it is still possible to AF when you attached the EF 1.4x extender. The only drawback is that you can only use the center focusing point. This is not bad afterall; at least you are still able to AF. As for the 2x extender, it has to be manual focusing. Too bad...
Little Tern
EOS 30D, EF 500mm f4.5L USM
1/500 sec, f10, ISO 400
White-throated Kingfisher
EOS 30D, EF 500mm f4.5L USM
1/160 sec, f8, ISO 200
Pink-necked Green Pigeon
EOS 30D, EF 500mm f4.5L USM
1/400 sec, f8, ISO 400
How's the quality like if an extender EF 1.4x is being used? The degrading in quality is minimal. See for yourself.
Stork-billed Kingfisher
EOS 1D mk II N, EF 500mm f4.5L USM + EF 1.4x TC II
1/250 sec, f6.3, ISO 200
Pacific Shallow
EOS 1D mk III, EF 500mm f4.5L USM + EF 1.4x TC II
1/320 sec, f7.1, ISO 400
Despite being more than 10 years old, its performance cannot be undermined. This lens had already been discontinued in the market. Hence, if you happened to have a chance to find a good condition piece in the second hand market, you may want to consider getting this lens for wildlife photography. At least you do not need to burn too much hole in your pocket comparing to the IS version.