The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR and the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 387mm. The Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II USM with a length of 383mm, is 4mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II USM has a larger diameter of 146mm compared to the Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR's 140mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR weighs 3090g, which means it is 100g (3%) lighter than the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II USM which has a weight of 3190g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR has a filter size of 40mm whereas the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II USM has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 40mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II USM:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
500mm and the fastest aperture of
F4.0.
