The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR and the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS 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 f4G ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 391mm. The Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM with a length of 387mm, is 4mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM has a larger diameter of 146mm compared to the Nikon 500mm f4G 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. Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM weighs 3870g, 0% (10g) lighter than the Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR's weight of 3880g.
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR and the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM have the same Filter thread size of 52mm.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS 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 Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
500mm and the fastest aperture of
F4.0.