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

Avg. price:~£11,730Lens 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 III 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.

7.6

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 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 84% of models
Score components

80%

7.6

Technical score

20%

7.6

User score

â–²Better than 84% of camera-lenses
7.6

Technical score

Technical score
7.6/ 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
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

35%

7.6

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.9

Build & Handling

20%

7.2

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

10

Stabilization

3%

10

Mount & Format

★Better than 90% of camera-lenses
7.6

User score

User score
7.6/ 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 87% of models
Score components

70%

10

User ratings

30%

1.8

Number of reviews

Based on 1 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 87% of camera-lenses
  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £11,730

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS III USM

Technical score
Technical score
7.6/ 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
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components:

35%

7.6

Optics & Aperture

24%

6.9

Build & Handling

20%

7.2

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

10

Stabilization

3%

10

Mount & Format

7.6
User score
User score
7.6/ 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 87% of models
Score components

70%

10

User ratings

30%

1.8

Number of reviews

Based on 1 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.6
Popularity
Popularity
1.8/ 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 92% of models
Popularity:
Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS III USM has a popularity score of 1.8 points, which is lower than 90% of camera lenses.
1.8
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%

7.6

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
6.2 °
Show more
Focus motor
ring USM
Minimum focus distance
2.5 m
Minimum focus distance
2.5 m
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 2.5 m, which is farther than 97% of camera lenses and equal to 0.6% 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)
5 stops
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
5 stops
â–² Better than 72% of models
Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
This camera lens offers 5 stops of stabilization, which is stronger than 72.2% of camera lenses and equal to 17.5% of camera lenses.
Weight
3,090 g
Weight
3,090 g
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 3,090 g, which is heavier than 97.8% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.1% 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
?
Show more

Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS III 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.
  • 1 stops stronger stabilization
    Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
    5 stops
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
    This camera lens has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    5 stops vs 4 stops
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1 stops stronger stabilization
    Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
    5 stops
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
    This camera lens has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    5 stops vs 4 stops
  • 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.
  • Newer release date
    Release date
    2018
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    December 2018
    2018 vs 2016
  • 2,580 g heavier
    Weight
    3,090 g
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (3090 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    3,090 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
  • 2.2 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    2.5 m
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    2.5 m vs 0.3 m
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 22.13x more expensive
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS III USM is more expensive than the average camera lens (£11,730 vs £530).
    £11,730 vs £530
  • 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
  • 22.13x more expensive
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS III USM is more expensive than the average camera lens (£11,730 vs £530).
    £11,730 vs £530
  • 3.94x less popular
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS III USM is less popular than the average camera lens (1.85 vs 7.3).
    1.85 vs 7.29
  • 10.7% lower user score
    User score
    7.6/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS III USM
    the average camera lens
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS III USM has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.55 vs 8.360).
    7.55 vs 8.36
  • 22.2% worse value for money
    Canon EF 400mm F 2 8L IS III USM has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.63 vs 6.9).
    5.63 vs 6.89
  • 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 low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion 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
  • 2.2 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    2.5 m
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    2.5 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
  • 2,580 g heavier
    Weight
    3,090 g
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (3090 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    3,090 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

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
01/02/2019
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens Review
E
ephotozine.com
27/02/2019
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 IS III Lens Review - ePHOTOzine
F
focus-review.com
06/03/2019
Summary of the review
Review Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM
P
photoreview.com.au
02/03/2020
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens - Photo Review
N
naturfotografie-digital.de
18/05/2021
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM - Review
(Translated)Show original
D
doctor-speed.de
24/09/2019
Summary of the review
Review: The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM
(Translated)Show original
N
naturfotografie-digital.de
18/05/2021
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS III USM - Review
(Translated)Show original
F
focus-review.com
27/02/2019
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Review - Focus Review
(Translated)Show original
E
eoszine.nl
08/03/2019
Summary of the review
Review of the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM - EOSzine
(Translated)Show original
F
focus-review.com
06/03/2019
Summary of the review
Review Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Would you like to find sample images or specific field tests conducted by Dutch wildlife photographers with th...
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 1 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

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

  • Significantly lighter than previous versions, improved by over 1kg for better hand-held shooting
  • Exceptional image sharpness across the entire frame, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8
  • Blazing-fast and accurate autofocus system that works reliably for high-speed action and wildlife tracking
  • Five stops of optical image stabilization, which is highly effective for hand-held use
  • Professional-grade build quality with robust weather sealing for extreme environments
  • Beautiful bokeh and foreground/background separation thanks to the large f/2.8 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm

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

  • Extremely high price point (approx. $12,000 USD), making it inaccessible for most non-professional photographers
  • Despite weight reductions, it remains a large lens that occupies significant space in a camera bag
  • A low maximum magnification ratio (0.17x), making it unsuitable for close-up or macro photography
  • Noted slight vignetting when shooting at the widest aperture (f/2.8)
  • The large white barrel can draw unwanted attention in certain shooting environments

Verdict

The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM is a professional-grade super-telephoto lens featuring a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture and a sophisticated optical design with 17 elements in 13 groups, including fluorite and Super UD elements to minimize chromatic aberration. Its main characteristics include an industry-leading weight of 2840g—making it significantly lighter than its predecessor—and a 5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer system with three stabilization modes. Pros include exceptional sharpness even at wide apertures, a 9-blade circular diaphragm for smooth bokeh, a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for lightning-fast autofocus, and a heat-shielding white paint for outdoor performance. However, cons include its high retail price, large physical footprint that requires substantial storage space, and the necessity of 52mm drop-in filters rather than standard front-mounted options.

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