ggab Loc: ?

Before anyone jumps down my throat, I searched UUH for this lens and came up empty.

There is an opportunity to buy one used for under $2000.00 and I am giving it serious consideration.
I shoot nature and outdoor sports with a 7D MKii. I use a Tamron 150 - 600 G1 or Sigma 100-400 Contemporary for longer reach now. They are both slower lens than the 500mm. I would use this lens for birding, possibly with a 1.4 extender.

Has anyone used this lens? I know it is a very old design, no IS. Considering I would shoot at a shutter speed of 1/1500 or faster on a tripod, that is irrelevant.
If any of you are better at searching the forum and can find a link that discusses this lens, I would appreciate it.

Thanks
George

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Here's a link to the Canon Lens Hall listing the lens, the lens dates to 1992. Your 7DII will probably drive the AF in the lens better than older EOS models where the LensHall references manual focus with an extender but newer EOS bodies can autofocus extended configurations to f/8. Adding a 1.4III may push the image quality below acceptable and may limit the AF to just the center point, you'd have to test to confirm.

The lens is so old, it may be hard to find any reviews online showing the lens in operation and supporting a decision whether a more modern design will perform better in focusing and image sharpness vs one of the supertele great whites that Canon released to move into the king of the professional camera market following the EOS release of 1987.

The lens should be built like a tank and may never have had a problem nor will ever exhibit a problem during your ownership. But if there ever is a problem, you'll likely find no one who can service the lens as the parts for this design no longer exist. Being a prime and no IS, the interior is nothing more than the glass and the USM focus motor, less possible points of failure.

https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/ef307.html

ggab Loc: ?

Thanks for the link.
I did do a google search and couldn't find anything really. That's why I searched here, then posted.
Many of you have been doing this since well before the early 90's. I was hoping someone had one and could provide some modern perspective.

Thanks
George

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I found quite a bit of info: The general consensus is it is a very good lens.
general google search:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Canon+500mm+f%2F4.5+L+Prime&oq=Canon+500mm+f%2F4.5+L+Prime&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60.3890j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

The Wiki entry gives basic info on the series:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EF_500mm_lens

Then a search for "reviews" found several articles and forums that mentioned it:
https://www.google.com/search?ei=TtBAXOLHFof9_wT75JiACw&q=canon+ef+500mm+f%2F4.5+l+usm+lens+review&oq=Canon+500mm+f%2F4.5+L+Prime&gs_l=psy-ab.1.1.0i71l3.0.0..45840...0.0..0.0.0.......0......gws-wiz.bFvyJm_BWFI

This forum seems to have a lot (almost all good) to say about this lens:
https://www.juzaphoto.com/recensione.php?l=en&t=canon_500_f4-5

In fact if I had the money free and could find one at below $2000 in good shape I would be very tempted to get it to add to my long lenses.

ggab Loc: ?

I found much of what you found, including some links that are dead.
Most everything, however is old.
I guess that is what happens with old eq.
A big concern is not being able to get it serviced, should it need parts. I saw that folks had that concern back around 2005.
If it was a 3 or 4 hundred dollar lens, I would not be too concerned. @ $1900.00 it concerns me.

Thanks for your efforts.
George

Photocraig

ggab, I've been fantasizing about a Great White and have been drawn to the EF-L 400mm f5.6. It is current product and available at Adorama for $200+. Highly regarded as a lighter weight long tele, and with your 7DII should autofocus with the 1.4 extender to f8 at least on one point. https://www.adorama.com/ca40056afu.html

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

George, you may want to consider the f/4L, I think that you can find them now for about $3000 and some are very clean. I have one that has a few chips in the paint lots of chips near the hood, it was that way when I purchased it but it did not bother me. If you look at the lenses that Pro's use for sporting events etc. you come to quickly realize that they are a tool and because of their size they do get a bit nicked up. I love my lens, I paid about $3750 for it but with the release of the Mark II the older ones have dropped somewhat in price.

ggab Loc: ?

Thank you.
What attracted me to the f/4.5 was the price. I just wish I could find someone that actually uses the lens.
The wife is not prepared for me to spend $3k for a lens yet.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

I bought this lens for similar reasons. No IS means it is lighter than with IS, a noticeable difference. Your type of use will determine how much this will effect your shots. Monopods are as effective as tripods. I use a tripod with mine, in the garden chasing hummers. The lens itself should offer no troubles BUT keep in mind its age and design. It uses a 48mm drop-in CPL, an item that is nearly impossible to find on today's market. Canon does have a very limited supply of parts, if needed. Literature is nearly non-existent. I have a copy of the manual Canon offered at the time, it includes 3 or 4 lens. This fact is a deal breaker for some people but if you are willing to take a chance the lens will be rewarding. It is 500mm and that is not too common. It works well extenders, I was able to use a 2x, a 1.4x, and a 12mm tube to connect and got it out to beyond 1140mm. Focus becomes a different matter at that focal length, but no big deal, be very patient. The best part is that is does have Canon glass, and THAT ain't bad. For the proper application this lens is a very good deal. Know it's limitations and use it accordingly, which is true for any lens. Regardless, looking through 500mm is kind of exciting, especially if you are seeing something very big looking back at you. This might be a great opportunity for you to do so. At one time this was the best lens on the market, and glass doesn't age like we do.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I have used the lens. Being Canon L, it is a GREAT lens - no matter the Age ! As mentioned, service and parts should and can be a concern. You should be ready willing and able to manage the large size and weight of this lens ! I also shot extensively with the original 300 2.8 lens and had no problems - but I do take good care of my equipment.

Personally, today, I would not spend more than $1500 for this lens- as there is the service/parts risk factor - and the condition would have to be well cared for !

Today, I use the 400 5.6 prime and with the newer bodies, have no regrets.

..

ggab Loc: ?

Thank you.
I do not have an issue not having IS. I would either shoot it on a tripod panning or hand held at a high shutter speed.
Which 1.4x did you use?
What camera did you use it on?
I currently use a Tamron 150-600 G1 for my long reach.

ggab Loc: ?

" You should be ready willing and able to manage the large size and weight of this lens !"
I expect it is lighter than the Tamron 150-600 I currently use, being a prime, although I haven't looked at the spec's.
I appreciate the price point advice.

Haydon

They've also dropped heavily in price because Canon will not service them beyond cleanings anymore. I own a 500F4 version one as well and recently made an inquiry to Canon about this. Most lenses from Canon hold 10 years of support. This one proved to be an exception. Thankfully mine is in mint shape.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I have the 500mm f/4 lens. I considered buying the older f/4.5 lens but decided against it. After shooting mine without the IS turned on I find that it focuses faster and it's just as sharp with shutter speeds above 1/1600th with good form. You'll have to get good at panning and practice smooth use of this lens but it can be done. IS is nice to have, but not always necessary. About the only time it's really necessary is when the lighting conditions get low and you must lower your shutter speed. With today's cameras, you can increase the ISO which allows you to keep your shutter speed higher longer in low light.

ggab Loc: ?

Well, someone made the decision for me.
It's gone.
Thanks everyone for your input.
George