This very mobile 500mm super telephoto lens has the double attraction of an original Image Stabilizing mechanism and a bright large aperture of f/4. Its newly designed optical system consists of 17 elements in 13 groups, including one fluorite lens element and two UD lens elements. These have aliminated virtually all aberrations to achieve a level of image quality previously impossible to attain with such high constrast and sharpness. With a ring-type USM and an improved drive algorithm, its autofocus is the fastest in the world*1. The lens's closest focusing distance has been reduced to only 4.5m/14.8ft., and it is equipped with full-time mechanical manual focusing, focus preset, and an AF Stop function. The use of a magnesium alloy for the lens barrel minimizes weight and the lens offers superior dust-proof and drip-proof*2 performance. The large f/4 aperture permits the use of autofocus when using an extender. Image Stabilization is even more effective when combined with a unipod, making shooting even more accurate.
*1
Bodies: EOS 1Ds Mark III, EOS 1Ds Mark II, EOS 1Ds, EOS 1D Mark III, EOS 1D Mark II N, EOS 1D Mark II, EOS 1D, EOS 1V/HS, EOS 3 (all when using rechargeable battery pack)
*2
Dust-proof and drip-proof models: EOS 1Ds Mark III, EOS 1Ds Mark II, EOS 1Ds, EOS 1D Mark III, EOS 1D Mark II N, EOS 1D Mark II, EOS 1D, EOS 1V/HS, EOS 7D, Extender EF1.4xII, Extender EF 2xII
