Photo: GodeNehler (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Quick answer
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
Verdict
Still capable for sideline work, but the lighter II and III are easier to carry.
About this lens
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM: a telephoto prime lens with a 400mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, made for Canon EF mount cameras, from the Canon L series with Image Stabilizer and ultrasonic-motor autofocus. A professional super-telephoto L-series lens, a fixture on sidelines and at wildlife hides.
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 400mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.8
- Lens type
- Telephoto
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1999
- Optical construction
- 17 elements in 13 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 3 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.15x
- Weight
- 5370 g
- Length
- 349 mm
- Diameter
- 163 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM?
- Pro sports
- Wildlife
- Motorsport
Its bright maximum aperture handles indoor and evening light reasonably well.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 400mm | 5.2° | 6.2° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 640mm | 3.2° | 3.9° |
Frequently asked questions
How heavy is the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM?
About 5.4kg. A monopod is a requirement for sustained use.
Does the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM use extenders?
Yes, Canon's EF 1.4x and 2x extenders fit. Aperture drops to f/4 or f/5.6, and autofocus at f/5.6 depends on the body.
EF 400mm f/2.8L IS or IS II?
The II is roughly 1.5kg lighter and has a newer stabilizer. The original is the older, heavier design.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
