Announced early this year, the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens was scheduled to be available in May for $9,499.00 in the U.S. I don’t know where you live, but I think you can find it easily in the stores near you. Designed 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.

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