EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM vs SZ Super Tele 500 mm f/8 Reflex MF
Canon
EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM
Tokina
SZ Super Tele 500 mm f/8 Reflex MF
Here we are comparing the Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM and the Tokina SZ Super Tele 500 mm f/8 Reflex MF. The Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM is a 500mm telephoto prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/4, released in 1999. The Tokina SZ Super Tele 500 mm f/8 Reflex MF is a 500mm telephoto prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/8, released in 2022.
There is a 23 years difference between the Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM and the Tokina SZ Super Tele 500 mm f/8 Reflex MF — the newer design may benefit from more recent optical engineering and coatings.
Below you will find a detailed side-by-side comparison of their specifications, features, and key differences.
Shopping links may contain affiliate codes that support this site at no extra cost to you.
| Compare | Fastest Aperture Image Stabilization | |
|---|---|---|
| Mount | ||
| Sensor Size | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Best For | Wildlife | Wildlife |
Price & Availability | ||
| Shop | ||
Optical Specifications | ||
| Focal Length | 500 mm | 500 mm |
| Aperture | f/4 | f/8 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 | - |
Features | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Image Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
Close-up Performance | ||
| Min. Focus Distance | 4.5 m | 1.7 m |
| Max. Magnification | - | 0.35x |
Physical Specifications | ||
| Weight | 3870 g | 310 g |
| Length | 387 mm | 73 mm |
| Diameter | 146 mm | 89 mm |
| Filter Thread | 52 mm | 72 mm |
Price & Availability | ||
| Release Year | 1999 | 2022 |
| Shop | ||
Shopping links may contain affiliate codes that support this site at no extra cost to you.
Comparing Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM (500 mm, f/4) and Tokina SZ Super Tele 500 mm f/8 Reflex MF (500 mm, f/8).
Tokina SZ Super Tele 500 mm f/8 Reflex MF is the lightest at 310 g, Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM weighs 3870 g.
Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM offers the fastest maximum aperture at f/4, allowing for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field.
Tokina SZ Super Tele 500 mm f/8 Reflex MF can focus closest at 1.7 m minimum focus distance.
Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM includes image stabilization. Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM is weather-sealed for challenging conditions.
Use the detailed comparison table below to see all specifications side-by-side and find the perfect lens for your photography needs.
Discover the best lenses for your camera mount and photography style
Top-rated Canon EF lenses optimized for Wildlife Photography
Top-rated Micro Four Thirds lenses optimized for Wildlife Photography
Top-rated Sony E lenses optimized for Wildlife Photography
Explore all curated lens recommendations by mount and photography type
