Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM vs Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM is faster by 1 stop (f/2.0 vs f/2.8), letting in more light.
- Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM is lighter by 2850g.
- Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM goes wider (200mm vs 400mm).
- Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM reaches further (400mm vs 200mm).
- Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM is the newer design (2008 vs 1999).
| Spec | EF 200mm f/2L IS USM | EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Type | Telephoto | Telephoto |
| Focal length | 200mm (wider) | 400mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.0 (faster) | f/2.8 |
| Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Blades | 8 | 8 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 12 | 13 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 17 | 17 |
| Weight g | 2520.0 (lighter) | 5370.0 |
| Length mm | 208.0 | 349.0 |
| Stabilized | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter mm | 128.0 | 163.0 |
| Min focus m | 1.9 (closer focusing) | 3.0 |
| Max magnification | 0.12 | 0.15 |
Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM
Canon's 2008 stabilized 200mm f/2 prime, built like a super-telephoto with a rear drop-in filter slot. It weighs about 2.5kg.
Pros
- f/2 aperture with image stabilization
- Strong sharpness wide open
- Fast ring USM
- Weather-resistant build
Cons
- About 2.5kg in weight
- Large and long for a 200mm
- Minimum focus of 1.9m
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM
The 1999 first stabilized version of Canon's 400mm f/2.8, a staple for pro sports and wildlife shooters. Later II and III models reduced the weight.
Pros
- f/2.8 aperture with IS
- Weather-sealed L build
- Fast USM focusing
- Takes Canon extenders
Cons
- About 5.4kg
- Older IS generation
- Heavier than the II and III