Photo: Kuebi = Armin Kübelbeck (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Quick answer
The original 1991 non-stabilized EF 400mm f/2.8L, a large white prime used in sports and press photography. It is among the heaviest lenses of its class.
Pros
- f/2.8 aperture
- Ring USM focusing
- Solid construction
Cons
- Around 6.5kg
- No image stabilization
- Minimum focus of 4m
Verdict
Capable but heavy. The stabilized successors are far easier to use.
About this lens
The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L USM is a telephoto prime lens covering 400mm at f/2.8 for Canon EF mount cameras, from the Canon L series with ultrasonic-motor autofocus. A professional super-telephoto L-series lens, a fixture on sidelines and at wildlife hides.
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 400mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.8
- Lens type
- Telephoto
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1991
- Optical construction
- 11 elements in 9 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 4 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.11x
- Weight
- 6450 g
- Length
- 348 mm
- Diameter
- 167 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L USM?
- Press and sport from fixed positions
- Wildlife
- Collectors
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 USM?
About 6.5kg without accessories. It needs a sturdy tripod or monopod.
Is the EF 400mm f/2.8L USM stabilized?
No. Canon introduced the first IS version in 1999, so this lens depends on fast shutter speeds and a support.
Can the EF 400mm f/2.8L USM be used on EOS R?
Yes, through the EF-EOS R adapter, with autofocus intact.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
