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Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£9,430Lens mount:Canon EFMaximum focal length:400 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):2.8Optical image stabilization:yesMaximum angle of view:6.2 °

Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

7.5

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 80% of models
Score components

80%

7.5

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 80% of camera-lenses
7.5

Technical score

Technical score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components

35%

7.8

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.7

Build & Handling

20%

7.2

Focus & Controls

10%

8.0

Lab Scores

8%

8.2

Stabilization

3%

10

Mount & Format

â–²Better than 88% of camera-lenses
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £9,430

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of camera lens Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM

Technical score
Technical score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components:

35%

7.8

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.7

Build & Handling

20%

7.2

Focus & Controls

10%

8.0

Lab Scores

8%

8.2

Stabilization

3%

10

Mount & Format

7.5
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 91.7% of camera lenses.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components:

60%

7.5

Overall score

40%

1.0

Price

5.6
Lens type
telephoto prime
Lens mount
Canon EF
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
N/A
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 85% of models
This camera lens supports teleconverters. 15.2% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Supports EF 1.4x and EF 2x extenders.
Show more
Minimum focal length
400 mm
Maximum focal length
400 mm
Optical zoom
N/A
Maximum angle of view
6.2 °
Minimum angle of view
3.5 °
Show more
Focus motor
ring USM
Minimum focus distance
2.7 m
Minimum focus distance
2.7 m
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 2.7 m, which is farther than 97.9% of camera lenses and equal to 0.2% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.17xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.17x
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.17x, which is lower than 56.8% of camera lenses and equal to 4.2% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
yes
Full-time manual focus
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This camera lens supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
â–² Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
yes
Optical image stabilization
yes
â–² Better than 71% of models
This camera lens supports optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
4 stops
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
4 stops
â–¼ Worse than 34% of models
Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
This camera lens offers 4 stops of stabilization, which is stronger than 21.3% of camera lenses and equal to 44.5% of camera lenses.
Weight
4,450 g
Weight
4,450 g
â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 4,450 g, which is heavier than 99.8% of camera lenses.
Lens length
343 mm
Lens length
343 mm
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 343 mm long, which is longer than 97.5% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
163 mm
Lens diameter
163 mm
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 163 mm, which is wider than 98.9% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.4% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This camera lens supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
1.1 EV
DxOMark vignetting
1.1 EV
â–² Better than 59% of models
Market range: <0.7 EV – >1.9 EV
This camera lens has DxOMark vignetting of 1.1 EV, which is lower than that of 58.8% of camera lenses and equal to that of 8.4% of camera lenses.
Show more

Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Supports EF 1.4x and EF 2x extenders.
  • Has focus hold button
    Focus hold button
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This camera lens has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.6% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
    AF stop / focus hold buttons.
  • Has fluorine coating
    Fluorine coating
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This camera lens has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 32.6% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has drop-in filter support
    Drop-in / rear filter
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This camera lens supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
    52 mm drop-in filter.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Focus limiter switch
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This camera lens has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • 0.1 EV less vignetting
    DxOMark vignetting
    1.100 EV
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <0.7 EV – >1.9 EV
    This camera lens has less vignetting than the average camera lens (1.1 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
    1.100 EV vs 1.2 EV
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Supports EF 1.4x and EF 2x extenders.
  • Has drop-in filter support
    Drop-in / rear filter
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This camera lens supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
    52 mm drop-in filter.
  • Has focus hold button
    Focus hold button
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This camera lens has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.6% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
    AF stop / focus hold buttons.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Focus limiter switch
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This camera lens has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • Has fluorine coating
    Fluorine coating
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This camera lens has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 32.6% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • 0.1 EV less vignetting
    DxOMark vignetting
    1.100 EV
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <0.7 EV – >1.9 EV
    This camera lens has less vignetting than the average camera lens (1.1 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
    1.100 EV vs 1.2 EV
  • 3,940 g heavier
    Weight
    4,450 g
    â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (4450 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    4,450 g vs 510 g
  • 250.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    343 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (343 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    343 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 86 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    163 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (163 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    163 mm vs 77 mm
  • 2.4 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    2.7 m
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.7 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    2.7 m vs 0.3 m
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2011
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    August 2011
    2011 vs 2016
  • 17.79x more expensive
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM is more expensive than the average camera lens (£9,430 vs £530).
    £9,430 vs £530
  • 7.29x less popular
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM is less popular than the average camera lens (1 vs 7.3).
    1 vs 7.29
  • 17.79x more expensive
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM is more expensive than the average camera lens (£9,430 vs £530).
    £9,430 vs £530
  • 7.29x less popular
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM is less popular than the average camera lens (1 vs 7.3).
    1 vs 7.29
  • 23.5% worse value for money
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.58 vs 6.9).
    5.58 vs 6.89
  • 4.5% lower user score
    User score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM
    the average camera lens
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM has a lower user score than the average camera lens (8.00 vs 8.360).
    8 vs 8.36
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 2 fewer fluorite elements
    Fluorite elements
    2
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 – >0
    This camera lens has fewer fluorite elements than the average camera lens (2 vs 0). The average lens has 0 fluorite elements.
    2 vs 0
  • 2.4 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    2.7 m
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.7 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    2.7 m vs 0.3 m
  • 0.02 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.17 x
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.17 x vs 0.192 x
  • 3,940 g heavier
    Weight
    4,450 g
    â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (4450 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    4,450 g vs 510 g
  • 250.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    343 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (343 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    343 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 86 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    163 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (163 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    163 mm vs 77 mm
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2011
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    August 2011
    2011 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
the-digital-picture.com
18/09/2011
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens Review
D
digital-photography-school.com
24/09/2012
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM [REVIEW]
D
dxomark.com
16/04/2013
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS II USMGo to product viewer dialog for this item. review: Canon's Big Gun...
I
imaging-resource.com
15/12/2011
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM - Imaging Resource
T
techradar.com
05/10/2011
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM review - TechRadar
C
canonwatch.com
26/09/2012
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Field Review And Test
P
photo-outdoor.de
No date listed
Summary of the review
Field Test: Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM
(Translated)Show original
N
naturfotografie-digital.de
13/07/2016
Summary of the review
Hands-on Review: Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM Test Report
(Translated)Show original
E
eoszine.nl
26/03/2015
Summary of the review
Review: EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM [Note: This professional field test includes direct performance and weight comparisons against the EF 400mm f/2.8L I...
(Translated)Show original
F
focus-review.com
27/02/2019
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Review: Extensive technical comparison with the Mark II model
(Translated)Show original
C
cameraland.nl
2023
Summary of the review
User reviews: Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM

  • Exceptional sharpness and image quality, even when used wide open at f/2.8
  • Significant weight reduction compared to its predecessor, making limited handheld use possible for some
  • Blazing-fast and silent USM autofocus performance suitable for professional sports and wildlife
  • Highly effective 4-stop image stabilization with three specialized modes
  • Rugged, weather-sealed magnesium alloy and titanium construction
  • Beautiful bokeh and subject separation provided by the large f/2.8 aperture
  • Excellent performance with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters (Extenders)

What we don't like about Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS II USM

  • Extremely high initial retail price, often exceeding $10,000 at launch
  • Still heavy (approx. 8.5 lbs / 3.85 kg), typically requiring a monopod or tripod for extended use
  • Cumbersome to transport and requires specialized, large camera bags
  • A known issue with the lens hood tightening knob being flimsy or prone to sticking
  • Fixed 400mm focal length lacks the versatility of a zoom lens
  • The white finish can draw unwanted attention in certain shooting environments

Verdict

The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM is a professional-grade super-telephoto lens featuring a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, a 16-element-in-12-group optical design with fluorite elements, and a 4-stop Image Stabilizer with three distinct modes. Weighing approximately 3.85kg (8.4 lbs), it is over 28% lighter than its predecessor and incorporates a magnesium alloy and titanium construction with comprehensive dust and moisture sealing. Key advantages include its exceptional side-to-side sharpness, high-speed Ring USM autofocus, and advanced Subwavelength Structure Coating to minimize ghosting and flare. However, notable drawbacks include its significant physical weight, which often necessitates a monopod or tripod, and its high price point, which may be prohibitive for non-professional users.

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