Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM

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

Canon's update to their long IS 600mm telephoto offers improvements to the optical formula, along with increased stabilisation capabilities (4 stops IS claimed).
The lens is lighter too, and features a more robust lens hood design.

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

Lens specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	600mm f/4.0
Lens Construction	16 elements in 12 groups (Including drop-in rear filter, Fluorite: G2 and G4, UD Lens: None)
Diagonal Angle of View	4°10'
Focus Adjustment	Inner focusing system, with focusing cam
Closest Focusing Distance	4.5m / 14.77 ft.
Filter Size	52mm Drop-In
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	6.6" x 17.6", 138.3 oz. / 168 x 448mm, approx. 3920g

A quick guide to MTF charts (which only measure contrast and resolution. Canon's guide to their MTF charts) Black lines reflect lens performance at widest aperture. Blue lines show the performance at f/8 Thick lines indicate lens contrast Thin lines indicate lens resolution Dashed lines: Lens performance with meridional lines. Solid lines: Lens performance with sagittal lines Closer sagittal and meridional chart lines indicate more 'natural' out of focus areas. Remember that MTF charts are good for comparing similar lenses, so comparing ones from the 14mm f2.8L and 300mm 2.8L won't tell you much at all, whilst comparing the EF14 2.8L with the EF14 2.8L II will show meaningful differences. Note that other manufacturers may have different ways of displaying such information that may or may not match up with the Canon figures.

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

EF 600mm f/4L IS II 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
• Blog - Grant Atkinson

Written a review? Contact us and we'll add it to the list.

Sample images

Product launch

Announced London, UK, 7th February 2011

Canon launches two new super-telephoto lenses for its leading EOS Digital SLR (DSLR) range – the EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and the EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM.

Designed to meet the needs of the most demanding sports and wildlife photographers, both lenses offer breakthrough performance, delivering consistently high-quality images and incredible mobility. The launch of the models follows a development announcement in August 2010, and the display of prototypes at Photokina 2010 in Cologne, Germany.

Launching into Canon’s professional L-series, the models replace the widely-respected EF 500mm F/4L IS USM and EF 600mm F/4L IS USM, and are designed to achieve unparalleled levels of image quality. Each includes the highest-quality optics and the latest Canon Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, while magnesium alloy constructions with titanium components make each lens significantly lighter and even more durable. Launching as the lightest lens in its class*1, the EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM benefits from an exceptional 27% reduction (1.4kg) in weight compared to its predecessor, while the EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM offers an impressive reduction of 17% (680g).

New levels of performance
Both lenses feature completely redesigned optics, with 16 elements in 12 groups. Canon has over 40 years of experience in the manufacturing of fluorite lens elements, and has utilised two high performance fluorite elements in these lenses– delivering high resolution, high contrast shots rich in detail across the frame.

Both lens’ optical elements feature Canon’s Super Spectra Coatings and a SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC), optimised to effectively reduce ghosting and flare. A water-repellent fluorine coating is also used on the surface of the front and rear elements, repelling dust and dirt for clearer shots, and keeping the front element free of marks by ensuring water droplets run off the lens quickly.

Enhanced IS, precise AF
Both models feature Canon’s latest Image Stabilizer system, offering outstanding image quality during handheld shooting and allowing users to shoot at speeds up to four times slower than normally required. IS Mode 2 features new algorithms to improve performance when panning, and the new IS Mode 3 is also included, assisting users when switching between subjects by activating the IS unit only during exposure.

Both lenses offer a constant f/4 aperture, allowing photographers to achieve excellent image quality in low light and capture clear, sharp shots of fast-moving subjects. The wide aperture also allows users to creatively isolate their subjects from the background, with a nine-blade circular iris creating beautiful background blur that instantly adds atmosphere to an image.

Rapid, quiet Auto Focus (AF) is provided by a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM). Photographers can also utilise full-time manual focusing functionality, which enables the fine-tuning of focus even when the AF system is activated, providing even greater control over image capture. Power Focus mode also assists users during video shooting, allowing the photographer to smoothly adjust focus during filming by twisting the focus recall ring.

Premium L-series design
Both lenses have been designed as part of Canon’s renowned elite L-series, combining exceptional-quality optics with stylish designs. Both also feature a revised layout, with carefully-positioned controls that improve everyday operation. The AF stop buttons are now location-adjustable, improving ergonomics by allowing users to custom-select the position of the lens grip where the AF stop buttons are located.

Mechanical improvements include optional long or short foot tripod mounts suitable for monopods or tripods. An improved tripod collar rotational mechanism provides a smoother movement when turning the lens from portrait to landscape orientation, and a Kensington-type wire security lock has also been included, keeping the lenses secure during location-based shoots. The robust design is also weatherproof, making both lenses suitable for use in extreme conditions when paired with a weatherproof EOS body.

*1 According to Canon market research conducted in December 2010.