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Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£5,720
Avg. price in US: ~$6,900
Lens mount: Canon EF
Maximum focal length: 400 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 4
Optical image stabilization: yes
Maximum angle of view: 6.2 °

Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.8

Very good

8.2

Excellent

6.2

Good

9.8
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.7
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
10
Optical image stabilization
7.3
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
6.2
Lens length
25.0%
3.9
Lens diameter
25.0%
10
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
10
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

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Verdict

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM is a high-performance super-telephoto lens designed for wildlife and sports photography, featuring a unique 18-element optical layout in 12 groups with gapless dual-layer diffractive optics (DO) to significantly reduce size and weight to approximately 2.1kg. Key technical specifications include a bright f/4 maximum aperture, a 9-blade circular diaphragm for smooth bokeh, and a 4-stop effective Image Stabilizer with three distinct modes. Its primary advantages are its exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, remarkably compact form factor that allows for comfortable handheld use, and advanced ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM) for near-silent, rapid autofocus. However, notable drawbacks include its high premium price point, a relatively long minimum focus distance of 3.3 meters, and a slight decrease in autofocus speed when used in extremely dim lighting conditions.

Technical Specifications of Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM

Overall score

7.8

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Popularity

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.

Mount & Format

10

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

telephoto prime

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

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Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

8.1

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

400 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

400 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

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Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

6.2 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

6.2 °

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Focus & Controls

7.2

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

ring USM

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

7.9

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

8.9

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

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Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

8.9

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM vs the average camera lens

Why is Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Teleconverter compatible
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Supports EF 1.4x and EF 2x extenders.
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus hold button
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
AF stop / focus hold buttons.
What it is: A button on the lens barrel used to lock focus temporarily during shooting.
When it matters: When you want to lock focus quickly during sports, wildlife, or recomposed portraits.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has focus distance scale
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM 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
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
52 mm drop-in filter.
What it is: Support for filters placed behind the rear element instead of on the front thread.
When it matters: When you use large super-telephoto lenses where front filters would be expensive or impractical.
Importance: LOW
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus limiter switch
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.
Importance: LOW
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM 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
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has less vignetting than the average camera lens (1.1 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM 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
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has drop-in filter support
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus hold button
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has focus distance scale
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM 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
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM 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
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
0.1 EV less vignetting
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has less vignetting than the average camera lens (1.1 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.

Focus & Controls

Why is Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM worse than the average camera lens?

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1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
1 fewer aspherical elements
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
3 m longer minimum focus distance
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (3.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
0.06 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
140.7 mm longer lens
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM is longer than the average camera lens (232.7 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
51 mm wider lens barrel
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM is wider than the average camera lens (128 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
Older release date
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM was released earlier than the average camera lens.
November 2014
1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.4 vs 2.8
140.7 mm longer lens
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM is longer than the average camera lens (232.7 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM is longer than the average camera lens (232.7 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.232.7 mm vs 92 mm
51 mm wider lens barrel
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM is wider than the average camera lens (128 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM is wider than the average camera lens (128 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.128 mm vs 77 mm
3 m longer minimum focus distance
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (3.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (3.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.3.3 m vs 0.3 m
10.79x more expensive
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM is more expensive than the average camera lens (£5,720 vs £530).
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM is more expensive than the average camera lens (£5,720 vs £530).£5,720 vs £530
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.1 vs 2
1 fewer aspherical elements
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.1 vs 2
30.9% lower user score
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a lower user score than the average camera lens (6.18 vs 8.091).
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.
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM has a lower user score than the average camera lens (6.18 vs 8.091).6.18 vs 8.09

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM?

Extremely lightweight and compact for its focal length, making it ideal for handheld use
Exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and overall optical performance
Highly effective image stabilization system with multiple modes for different action types
Fast and accurate autofocus, particularly effective for wildlife and birds in flight
Top-tier build quality with weather-sealing and professional-grade materials
Excellent portability for travel and long days of 'walking around' photography

What customers dislike about Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS II USM?

Very high price point, putting it out of reach for many non-professional users
Relatively long minimum focus distance (approx. 3.3m/11 feet) compared to some alternatives
Slightly lower global contrast compared to some 'Big White' L-series primes
Potential for unique 'DO' artifacts like concentric rings in out-of-focus highlights in rare situations
Performance with 2x teleconverters can be soft and result in slower autofocus

Expert reviews

the-digital-picture.com

27/04/2015

Summary of the review

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USMGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Lens Review

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens is hailed as a premier, lightweight super-telephoto option for wildlife and sports, offering massive optical improvements over its predecessor. Key advantages include exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness at f/4, negligible chromatic aberration, and a 2,100g weight allowing for extended handheld use, complemented by fast AF and effective 4-stop IS. Conversely, the lens comes with a high price tag and, under specific backlighting, may produce slight concentric circles in bokeh due to the diffractive optics. Additionally, the 3.3-meter close-focus distance limits tight shots on small subjects, and the f/4 aperture may require higher ISO settings in very low light compared to f/2.8 alternatives.

pcmag.com

18/01/2017

Summary of the review

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Review - PCMag

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM earns an Editors' Choice for its remarkable engineering, featuring diffractive optics (DO) to achieve a compact, 4.6-pound build that offers exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness and zero distortion. This, durable, weather-resistant lens is ideal for professional, all-day shooting, producing high-resolution results with advanced, customizable controls. However, the lens is a premium investment priced at $6,899 and exhibits notable corner dimming (-1.2EV) at the maximum f/4 aperture, which improves at f/5.6. While providing excellent portability for a 400mm prime, it competes with more affordable, versatile zoom alternatives like the Canon EF 100-400mm for photographers not requiring a fixed f/4 aperture.

ephotozine.com

12/01/2015

Summary of the review

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens Review - ePHOTOzine

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens is a specialized, professional-grade super-telephoto lens that uses third-generation Diffractive Optics (DO) to offer a lightweight, weather-sealed, and compact design ideal for wildlife and sports photography. Its primary advantages include outstanding, edge-to-edge sharpness across the frame even at the wide-open aperture of f/4, with peak performance at f/5.6, alongside a fast, silent Ring-type USM autofocus system. Conversely, the lens comes with a, very high price tag of roughly £7000 and a 3.3-meter minimum focus distance that makes it less suitable for close-up work. While optical performance is superb, sharpness begins to decline beyond f/11 due to diffraction.

lenstip.com

26/08/2017

Summary of the review

Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USMGo to product viewer dialog for this item. review

The LensTip review concludes that the Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM is an exceptionally unique super-telephoto lens that delivers elite performance in a surprisingly portable package. Thanks to Canon's second-generation gapless Diffractive Optics (DO) technology, the lens is considerably shorter and lighter than standard 400mm glass, making it completely hand-holdable for extended wildlife and sports photography sessions. The review strongly praises its brilliant image resolution across the frame center and edges, superb correction of longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations, and lack of distortion or spherical aberration. Additionally, the lens features a ruggedly built chassis, a highly efficient image stabilization system, and incredibly silent, rapid autofocus that handles the 1.4x III teleconverter flawlessly. However, LensTip identifies a few notable downsides to this high-end optics system. The most prominent flaw is its weak flare and ghosting performance when shooting directly against bright light, where the physical structure of the internal diffraction lattice produces distinct artifacts and a sharp drop in image contrast. Furthermore, the lens suffers from a relatively long minimum focusing distance of 3.3 meters (roughly 11...

dxomark.com

09/04/2015

Summary of the review

Canon 400mm f/4.0 DO IS II USM lens review - DxOMark

The Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS II USM is a highly innovative super-telephoto lens that heavily leverages Diffractive Optics (DO) to dramatically reduce its overall physical size and weight, measuring just 5.04 x 9.16″ and weighing a mere 4.63 lb. Tested on a Canon EOS 5D Mark III, it achieved an overall DxOMark score of 23 points, ranking 27th among 51 Canon EF models. While it falls behind premium f/2.8L counterparts, its optical performance remains highly impressive, matching the significantly larger, heavier, and costlier EF 200-400mm f/4L and EF 500mm f/4L II lenses. Key advantages highlighted in the review include exceptional image sharpness—particularly when shot wide-open where it matters most—and incredibly well-controlled chromatic aberration across the field. Furthermore, despite not bearing an official "L-series" designation, it provides professional-grade build quality featuring environmental sealing, aspherical and UD glass, a 4-stop image stabilizer, and advanced SWC and fluorine coatings. However, the lens does present a few notable performance trade-offs and structural weaknesses. Its optical quality cannot quite match the supreme sharpness and uniformity of the premium EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II...

wildelements.ca

13/03/2017

Summary of the review

Testing - Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens delivers impressive image sharpness and clean bokeh, standing out as an exceptionally light and portable prime lens for its class. Weighing just over 4.5 lbs, it is roughly 4 lbs lighter than the 400mm f/2.8L IS II, making it comfortable to hand-hold for long periods during mobile shooting. Its weight distribution is very well-balanced, which makes it feel lighter and more comfortable on long walks than extended zoom alternatives. Additionally, it pairs relatively well with version III extenders, particularly the 1.4x III, maintaining highly usable image quality for larger, distant subjects. However, the lens has notable performance trade-offs, specifically slower autofocus tracking and a limiting 11-foot minimum focusing distance. The autofocus struggles with rapid, hunting behavior that results in missed shots of small, fast birds, especially when using extenders where it fails to match the speed of a 500mm f/4 lens. Furthermore, the long minimum focusing distance makes it difficult to maximize subject size for small wildlife nearby, as closer alternatives like the 300mm f/2.8 allow users to physically stand...

ronbrunsvold.com

No Date Provided

Summary of the review

Canon EF 400mm f4 DO II Lens Review (BIF) ⭐ Key Takeaway: Reviews highlight that the Mark II version significantly improved contrast and flare resista...

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens delivers outstanding, near-flawless optical sharpness at its maximum f/4 aperture, making it an excellent choice for fast-paced action like "Birds in Flight" (BIF) photography. Its defining advantage lies in its specialized Diffractive Optics (DO) technology, which grants the lens a remarkably compact length of 9.2 inches and a relatively lightweight build of 74 ounces compared to traditional f/4 or f/2.8 super-telephotos. When paired with an APS-C camera like the Canon 7D Mark II, its handling mobility is highly praised, and its built-in Image Stabilization (IS) with dedicated panning modes effectively counteracts the natural physical wobble of hand-holding a long lens. When shooting stationary subjects, the lens achieves a nearly perfect 100% autofocus success rate. However, the lens comes with notable downsides, primarily its steep retail price of $6,900 and a noticeable dip in performance when paired with a 1.4x teleconverter. Adding the teleconverter slows down autofocus acquisition speed, causes the lens to occasionally hunt or completely stall out-of-focus, and creates a razor-thin depth-of-field that makes tracking small, erratic birds incredibly...

kenrockwell.com

27/05/2015

Summary of the review

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II - Ken Rockwell

According to ⁠Ken Rockwell, the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM is an ultra-high-performance, hand-holdable super-telephoto lens that uses diffractive optics (DO) to remain remarkably lightweight. It is praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and an advanced 4-stop image stabilization system that enables steady handheld shooting. Key disadvantages noted include a long minimum focusing distance of 3.3 meters and an extremely high price tag. Despite these factors, the lens is considered an ideal, portable choice for bird and wildlife photographers needing significant reach without the weight of an f/2.8 alternative.

imaging-resource.com

17/09/2014

Summary of the review

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM - Imaging Resource

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM is a professional-level supertelephoto lens designed for wildlife and sports photography, utilizing specialized Diffractive Optics (DO) to drastically reduce size and weight compared to standard telephoto primes. Optically, it improves upon its predecessor by moving a new gapless, dual-layer DO element further back in the lens barrel, significantly minimizing previous issues with flare. Built like a tank with full weather-sealing, this white lens weighs a manageable 4.6 lbs. It is highly praised for being extremely well-balanced for handheld shooting, especially when compared to the massive 8.5 lb. Canon 400mm f/2.8L IS II. Key operational features include superb autofocus speed, a focus preset system, Power Focus (PF) mode for smooth video focus pulling, and an impressive, tripod-aware Image Stabilization (IS) system featuring three distinct modes. The lens delivers outstanding performance, yet it comes with clear trade-offs. The pros feature uniform sharpness across the entire frame even when wide-open, exceptionally low chromatic aberration, practically nonexistent geometric distortion, and virtually unnoticeable vignetting. The cons include its steep $6,899 retail price tag, a slight drop...

doctor-speed.de

08/09/2015

Summary of the review

A Powerhouse - the Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS II USM

The review on doctor-speed.de highly praises the Canon EF 400mm 1:4.0 DO IS II USM for packing massive performance into a surprisingly manageable form factor, comparing its explosive energy to a whippet or a race car. The primary advantage highlighted by the reviewer is its unique, lightweight Diffractive Optics (DO) design. Weighing only 2.1 kilograms, it is significantly lighter than the heavy 3.85 kg alternative of the 400mm f/2.8 lens, making it easy to shoot with completely handheld without needing a monopod or tripod. Tested during a greyhound racing event with harsh sun and shadow shifts, the lens delivered exceptional sharpness that nearly rivals the standard-setting Canon 300mm f/2.8. Additionally, its three-stage image stabilizer and highly responsive autofocus made capturing fast-moving dogs reliable, allowing the reviewer to shoot comfortably for six straight hours without physical exhaustion. However, the review details a few notable compromises and limitations inherent to this super-telephoto prime. The most significant downside is its hefty price tag, which ranges between 5,500 and 6,500 Euros depending on the supplier. Opting for the compact DO construction also forces a...

aisen.ch

07/09/2020

Summary of the review

Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS II USM - Andreas Isenegger

The user review on aisen.ch highlights the Canon EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS II USM as a highly capable super-telephoto lens, particularly praised for its portability and performance in wildlife photography. The reviewer notes that its compact size and weight of 2,100 grams allow for comfortable handheld shooting for over an hour without causing fatigue. Tested alongside the Canon EOS R and EOS R5 in the Swiss Jura, the lens delivers excellent sharpness, pleasing bokeh, accurate contrast, and vivid colors. Furthermore, its compatibility with teleconverters is highly rated; it maintains high autofocus accuracy and sharpness even when paired with a 2x teleconverter under challenging, low-light conditions. However, the review also highlights distinct drawbacks, primarily its exorbitant retail price—ranging between CHF 5,600 and CHF 7,270—which requires a serious financial commitment. While it is more portable than a traditional 500mm f/4 lens, it still adds a noticeable extra half-kilogram to a camera bag compared to standard zooms like the 100-400mm. Additionally, the reviewer points out that using a super-telephoto prime lens like this leaves no room for sleeping in, as getting the...

lesnumeriques.com

13/05/2015

Summary of the review

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM review

The Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM is a highly portable super-telephoto lens designed for sports and wildlife photography, distinguishing itself with Canon’s specialized Diffractive Optics (DO) technology and signature green ring. Thanks to this lens design, it cuts weight by 30% and size by 27% compared to its predecessor, weighing only 2 kg and measuring just over 23 cm in length, which makes prolonged handheld shooting exceptionally comfortable. Built completely out of metal with comprehensive weather-sealing, it features robust professional handling, an integrated drop-in filter slot, and a customizable autofocus system with smooth focus transitions for videography. In real-world performance, its image stabilization delivers up to a 4-stop advantage, and its 9-blade diaphragm produces a smooth, pleasing background bokeh, particularly at f/4. Laboratory testing highlights remarkable edge-to-edge sharpness consistency across the aperture range, making it a very reliable tool for its intended action-oriented categories. There are no geometric distortions, though it does exhibit prominent vignetting at wider apertures that only clears up fully by f/8. Despite its strong performance, reviewers noted that overall peak sharpness could...

rafairusta.com

17/04/2015

Summary of the review

Testing the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM - Rafa Irusta

The review by Rafa Irusta highlights the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM as a standout super-telephoto lens designed for wildlife, sports, action, and landscape photography. The primary pros center on its highly compact design and remarkably low weight of just 2,100 grams, which significantly eases transport and allows for comfortable handheld shooting during long sessions. Its high performance is further supported by an exceptional 4-stop image stabilization (IS) system featuring three distinct modes tailored for everything from static subjects to erratic, fast-moving action. Optically, the reviewer praises its superb sharpness, low distortion, effective control of chromatic aberrations, and fast autofocus, noting that it even outshines a 300mm f/2.8L lens paired with a 1.4x extender and maintains excellent image quality when used with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. Furthermore, its robust, weather-sealed construction guarantees that it will reliably withstand harsh, humid, and dusty working environments. On the other hand, the review identifies a major con, which is the lens's extremely high price tag, making it a substantial investment and its least attractive feature. While the main article focuses primarily...

eoszine.nl

26/03/2015

Summary of the review

Review of the EF 400mm f/4 IS DO II - EOSzine

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 IS DO II is identified as a professional-grade, L-series super-telephoto lens that, through advanced Diffractive Optics technology, offers exceptional portability and sharp image quality suitable for handheld wildlife and action photography. Its primary advantages include a lightweight, compact design and superior sharpness designed for high-resolution sensors, making it an ideal choice for traveling photographers. However, the lens carries a high premium price of approximately €6,400, making it inaccessible for casual users. The review notes that for non-professionals, the Canon EF 100-400mm IS II offers better value by providing similar image quality and greater versatility at a much lower cost.

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