Canon EF600mm f/4L IS USM

• Specifications
• Reviews
• Sample Images
• Initial launch information.

Excellent quality long telephoto lens. There is a lot of glass there, so don't expect to hand hold for very long, even with the effective Image stabilisation. This original version of this lens has slightly poorer IS (3 stops as opposed to 4) and is slightly heavier than the MkII version. If buying used, check very carefully, since press and sports photgraphers might not have treated it as carefully as you would your own equipment.

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	600mm 1:1.4
Lens Construction	17 elements in 13 groups
Diagonal Angle of View	4° 10'
Focus Adjustment	Ring type USM, inner focusing system, full-time manual focus
Closest Focusing Distance	5.5m / 18 ft.
Filter Size	52mm rear drop in
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	6.6" x 18", 11.8 lbs / 168 x 456mm, 530g

Canon EF 600mm	f/4L USM	f/4L IS USM	f/4L IS II USM	f/4L III USM
Key features
Image stabilizer	No	Yes
Environmental sealing	Yes
Ultrasonic Motor	Yes
L-series	Yes
Technical data
Focal length	600 mm
Aperture (max/min)	f/4 / f/32
Construction	9 elements / 8 groups	17 elements / 13 groups	16 elements / 12 groups	17 elements / 13 groups
# of diaphragm blades	8		9 (circular aperture)
Closest focusing distance	6 m (17.95 ft)	5.5 m (16.45 ft)	4.5 m (14.8 ft)	4.2m (13.8 ft)
Max. magnification	0.11x	0.12x	0.15x	0.15x
Horizontal viewing angle	3°30'
Vertical viewing angle	2°20'
Diagonal viewing angle	4°10'
Physical data
Weight	6000 g (212.4 oz)	5360 g (189.8 oz)	3920 g (138.8 oz)	3050 g (6.73 lbs)
Maximum diameter	167 mm (6.6")	168 mm (6.6")
Length	456 mm (17.9")		448 mm (17.6")
Filter diameter	48 mm (rear)	Any 52(WII)-series drop-in filter		52(WIII)
Accessories
Lens case	?	600	600B
Lens hood	?	ET-160	ET-160 (WII)	ET-160 (WIII)
Lens cap	?	E-185	E-185B
Retail information
Release date	November 1988	Sept. 1999	June 2011	Sept. 2018
Currently in production?	No			yes
prices	923,000 yen	1,290,000 yen (w/case and hood)	$11,499	£12,999

EF600mm f/4L IS USM reviews and articles

• Canon UK / US Information Page
• Amazon
• Northlight Images
• Canon CPN article
• Fred Miranda
• Lens Tip
• Digital Picture
• PhotoZone
• SLR Gear
• Lens Review
• ePhotozine

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Sample images

None available at present.

Product launch

No information available on the 1999 launch of this lens.