Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III 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 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM is lighter by 2530g.
- Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM is the newer design (2018 vs 1999).
| Spec | EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM | EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Type | Telephoto | Telephoto |
| Focal length | 400mm | 400mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Released | 2018 | 1999 |
| Blades | 9 | 8 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 13 | 13 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 17 | 17 |
| Weight g | 2840.0 (lighter) | 5370.0 |
| Length mm | 343.0 | 349.0 |
| Stabilized | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter mm | 163.0 | 163.0 |
| Min focus m | 2.5 (closer focusing) | 3.0 |
| Max magnification | 0.17 | 0.15 |
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM
The third generation of Canon's 400mm f/2.8 supertelephoto, redesigned to be much lighter than the II. Image stabilization and fluorite elements.
Pros
- About a kilogram lighter than the II
- f/2.8 aperture
- Stabilized
- Fast AF
Cons
- Still heavy at about 2.8 kg
- Demands a monopod
- Large
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