Home | Reviews | Lenses | 35mm Primes | Canon

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM 35mm Primes

5/5 (3 Reviews)

Write a review



  • Camera Format35 mm SLR
    Lens TypeFixed Focal Length Lens
    Focal Length600mm
    Lens Max Aperturef/4
    Min Aperturef/32
    Focus TypeAutofocus
    Macro LensWithout Macro Lens
    MountCanon EF
    Closest Focusing Distance216 in
    Picture Angle4 degrees
    Attachment / Filter Size52 mm
    Groups / Elements17 Elements in 13 Groups
    Image StabilizationWith Image Stabilization
    Diameter6.6 in
    Length18 in
    Weight189.07 oz
    MPN2534a002
    Product ID20723841

Product Description

The world's first 600mm lens with an Image Stabilizer, for added steadiness and sharpness when working with a monopod at slower shutter speeds. It shares the same lightweight, weather-resistant construction as the 300, 400 and 500mm IS Super Telephoto lenses, as well as their improved control layout, less "front-heavy" design, and mechanical manual focus.


Review Options:  Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

Reviews 1 - 3 (3 Reviews Total)

User Reviews

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART a Professional from Indian Lake Estates, FL

Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001

Strengths:    The world's premiere super telephoto lens. Delivers sharp images with 1.4X, 2X and even stacked TCs. Have made sharp images at 1200mm at 1/45th second and at 1/125 second with two 2x TCS! Focuses fast enough with 2X to photograph large birds in flight.

Weaknesses:    Most units do not rotate smoothly in the tripod collar when the lens is mounted.

Bottom Line:   
Do consider the fact that I have been a Canon contract photographer since 1995. But know that my comments above are totally honest and unbiased.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   11-20 years

Price Paid:    $9000.00

Purchased At:   Hunt's Photo

Similar Products Used:   Canon 500mm f/4.0L IS lens and several smaller Canon IS lenses.

Type of photography:   Outdoor

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Clive Culverwell a Expert from San Diego

Date Reviewed: December 14, 2000

Strengths:    Can't fault it. Great optics up to 1200mm and low (down to 1/60 sec) shutter speeds with high hit rate on sharpness. IS works great at 1200mm.

Weaknesses:    My arms when hand held!

Bottom Line:   
Outstanding lens. I can get shots at 1200mm at low shutter speeds (down to 1/60sec) on still subjects that required all sorts of stabilizer bars on the old 600mm to keep it steady. Optically I believe it to be slightly better than the old 600mm when I do side by side tests using the 2x teleconverter. The difference, however, is very slight and almost unnoticible using the 1.4x TC or the bare lens. It is lighter than the old lens and every pound helps. Build quality is excellent and as good as the old one. The focus lock buttons are a great help especially when using the 2x TC which limits focus to the center with the EOS 3. The reduced minimum focus distance from the old one is a great help. IS is a winner for shooting out of a car window!!!

Overall verdict: if you have the cash and love wildlife photography then buy it!

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   6-10 years

Price Paid:    $9000.00

Purchased At:   B & H Photo

Similar Products Used:   I own the 600mm F4 non IS as well, have used the 400mm F2.8; I own the 300mm F2.8 IS and many others.

Type of photography:   Outdoor

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by John MacLean a Professional from santa Fe, NM

Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000

Strengths:    I held this lens on a new EOS1V@ Photo + LA in June and it's sweet.

Weaknesses:    Probably your arms if you don't have a monopod!

$10k will weaken your wallet, but it's worth it if you shoot super tele all the time

Bottom Line:   
I didn't shoot any film with it, but it is hand-holdable with the IS turned on. I could bulls-eye on a target and it held steady. Simply amazing technology!

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   11-20 years

Similar Products Used:   None

Type of photography:   Other


Reviews 1 - 3 (3 Reviews Total)

Review Options:  Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

Write a Review >>

  • Camera Format35 mm SLR
    Lens TypeFixed Focal Length Lens
    Focal Length600mm
    Lens Max Aperturef/4
    Min Aperturef/32
    Focus TypeAutofocus
    Macro LensWithout Macro Lens
    MountCanon EF
    Closest Focusing Distance216 in
    Picture Angle4 degrees
    Attachment / Filter Size52 mm
    Groups / Elements17 Elements in 13 Groups
    Image StabilizationWith Image Stabilization
    Diameter6.6 in
    Length18 in
    Weight189.07 oz
    MPN2534a002
    Product ID20723841
    Other FeaturesUltrasonic Motor optimized for EOS-3, permanently attached tripod collar, carbon fiber lens hood.
    Release Date8/9/2004


 

PhotographyReview Videos



 

PhotographyReview on Facebook