Photo: John Torcasio (CC BY-SA 3.0)
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
- 100-400mm
- f/100.0
- Telephoto Zoom
- Stabilized
- 1360 g
- Min focus 1.8 m
Quick answer
The first-generation 100-400mm L zoom with a push-pull zoom design and image stabilization. Used for wildlife and sports before the II replaced it.
Pros
- Long zoom range
- Image stabilization
- L build
- Fast push-pull zooming
Cons
- Push-pull zoom can draw in dust
- Less sharp than the II
- Older design
Verdict
A route to 400mm on EF, though the II is sharper and easier to use.
About this lens
A 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 telephoto zoom lens, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM is designed for Canon EF mount bodies, from the Canon L series with Image Stabilizer and ultrasonic-motor autofocus. A versatile L-series super-telephoto zoom with image stabilization for wildlife, sports and aviation.
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 100-400mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/100.0
- Lens type
- Telephoto Zoom
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1998
- Optical construction
- 17 elements in 14 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 1.8 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.2x
- Filter thread
- 77 mm
- Weight
- 1360 g
- Length
- 189 mm
- Diameter
- 92 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM?
- Wildlife
- Sports
- Airshows
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
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 | 100–400mm | 5.2–20.4° | 6.2–24.4° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 160–640mm | 3.2–12.8° | 3.9–15.4° |
Frequently asked questions
What is a push-pull zoom on the EF 100-400mm L?
You change focal length by sliding the barrel forward and backward instead of twisting a zoom ring. It is fast to use but can pull in air and dust.
Does the original EF 100-400mm L have image stabilization?
Yes, it has a built-in stabilizer, though it is an older generation than the one in the II.
EF 100-400mm L vs the L II: is it worth upgrading?
The II has a twist zoom, improved optics and better stabilization. The original is still capable.
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