Canon 500mm F/4.5 L USM

[chrysoberyl]

Reading through this forum, I find there has been demand for $2-3K 400-600mm primes for several years. New ones have not been offered as far as I can tell. That leaves used, for instance the Canon 500mm F/4.5 L USM. Checking my usual sites, I find no reviews.

Besides the 16.4' MFD, no IS and manual focus only with extenders, what are the downsides? Is it still supported by Canon? How slow is the AF?

Thanks,
John

 

[Loswr]

I believe that Canon no longer services the lens. FYI, it's focus-by-wire so if the AF motor fails, the lens is effectively a paperweight doorstop boat anchor because manual focus won't work, either.

 

[chrysoberyl]

I believe that Canon no longer services the lens. FYI, it's focus-by-wire so if the AF motor fails, the lens is effectively a paperweight doorstop boat anchor because manual focus won't work, either.

Thanks - exactly what I was looking for. And focus-by-wire means a certain disconnect when manually focusing, if I have read correctly.

Now I understand the fairly low prices at KEH.

John