Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM vs Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III 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 1010g.
- Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM is the newer design (2018 vs 2011).
| Spec | EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM | EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Type | Prime | Telephoto |
| Focal length | 400mm | 400mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Released | 2011 | 2018 |
| Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 12 | 13 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 16 | 17 |
| Weight g | 3850.0 | 2840.0 (lighter) |
| Length mm | 343.0 | 343.0 |
| Stabilized | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter mm | 163.0 | 163.0 |
| Min focus m | 2.7 | 2.5 (closer focusing) |
| Max magnification | 0.17 | 0.17 |
Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM
A professional 400mm f/2.8 telephoto with image stabilization and fluorite elements, aimed at sports and wildlife on full-frame EF bodies.
Pros
- f/2.8 aperture at 400mm
- Stabilized
- Fast AF
- Extender compatible
Cons
- Heavy (about 3.9 kg)
- Needs a monopod or gimbal head
- Large
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