Grant Atkinson is well-known as one of the best wildlife photographers in the country. He is also a full-time guide and photo trip leader, providing access to some of the best photographic spots in the country. As part of the Canon Series, he tells us more about the favourite lens in his bag.

Grant Atkinson: My favourite Canon lens would have to be the EF 500mm L f4 IS ii.  I like the accurate autofocus, incredibly helpful image stabilizer, and the beautiful wildlife images this lens creates. Images from this lens need minimal editing when it comes to sharpness, contrast and colour.

I also like the control over background blur that having an f4 aperture allows. That f4 aperture also allows me to keep shooting for some time after the sun has set, which is when many of my wild animal subjects are on the move. The 500L f4 IS ii is also light enough to handhold when necessary.

My favourite Canon wildlife lens before this was the EF 300mm L f2.8 IS but the extra focal length that the 500mm provides is essential for some of the work that I do.

For more of Atkinson’s work, please visit his website.

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