Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM vs Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II 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 F2.8L IS II USM is faster by 15 stops (f/2.8 vs f/500.0), letting in more light.
- Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is lighter by 660g.
- Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM goes wider (400mm vs 500mm).
- Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM reaches further (500mm vs 400mm).
- Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is the newer design (2012 vs 2011).
| Spec | EF 400mm F2.8L IS II USM | EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 400mm (wider) | 500mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 (faster) | f/500.0 |
| Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 12 | 12 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 16 | 16 |
| Weight g | 3850.0 | 3190.0 (lighter) |
| Length mm | 343.0 | 383.0 |
| Stabilized | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter mm | 163.0 | 146.0 |
| Min focus m | 2.7 (closer focusing) | 3.7 |
| Max magnification | 0.17 | 0.15 |
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 500mm f/4L IS II USM
The EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is a professional 500mm f/4 telephoto with image stabilization and a lightweight magnesium body. Used in wildlife and sports photography.
Pros
- f/4 aperture at 500mm
- Stabilized
- Lighter than the first IS version
- Extender compatible
Cons
- Heavy to handhold (about 3.2 kg)
- Large
- Needs a support