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

Avg. price:~£1,530Lens mount:Canon EFMaximum focal length:400 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):4Optical image stabilization:yesMaximum angle of view:6.2 °

Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS 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.

5.9

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 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–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

80%

5.9

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 83% of camera-lenses
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 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–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

35%

4.4

Optics & Aperture

24%

5.7

Build & Handling

20%

7.1

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

6.4

Stabilization

3%

10

Mount & Format

â–¼Worse than 70% 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~ £1,530

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 4 DO IS USM

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 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–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components:

35%

4.4

Optics & Aperture

24%

5.7

Build & Handling

20%

7.1

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

6.4

Stabilization

3%

10

Mount & Format

5.9
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 4 DO IS 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
4.9/ 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 97% of models
Score components:

60%

5.9

Overall score

40%

2.4

Price

4.9
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
3.5 m
Minimum focus distance
3.5 m
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 3.5 m, which is farther than 98.5% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.12xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.12x
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.12x, which is lower than 81.3% of camera lenses and equal to 5.3% 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)
2 stops
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
2 stops
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
This camera lens offers 2 stops of stabilization, which is weaker than 98.1% of camera lenses and equal to 1.5% of camera lenses.
Weight
2,234 g
Weight
2,234 g
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 2,234 g, which is heavier than 96% of camera lenses.
Lens length
232.7 mm
Lens length
232.7 mm
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 232.7 mm long, which is longer than 94.8% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
128 mm
Lens diameter
128 mm
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 128 mm, which is wider than 97.2% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.6% 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 4 DO IS 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 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.
    Distance-range limiter positions.
  • 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.
    Distance-range limiter positions.
  • 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.
  • 1,724 g heavier
    Weight
    2,234 g
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (2234 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    2,234 g vs 510 g
  • No rounded blades
    Rounded aperture blades
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This camera lens does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 87.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    8 blades.
  • 1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    4
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens 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
  • 140.45 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    232.7 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (232.7 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    232.7 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
  • 1 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    8
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (8 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    8 vs 9
  • 51 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    128 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens 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
  • 3.2 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    3.5 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 (3.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    3.5 m vs 0.3 m
  • 7.29x less popular
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM is less popular than the average camera lens (1 vs 7.3).
    1 vs 7.29
  • 41% worse value for money
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (4.88 vs 6.9).
    4.88 vs 6.89
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,530 vs £530).
    £1,530 vs £530
  • 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 4 DO IS USM
    the average camera lens
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a lower user score than the average camera lens (8.00 vs 8.360).
    8 vs 8.36
  • 1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    4
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
    This camera lens 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
  • No rounded blades
    Rounded aperture blades
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This camera lens does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 87.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    8 blades.
  • 1 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    8
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <7 – >9
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (8 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    8 vs 9
  • 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
  • 3.2 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    3.5 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 (3.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    3.5 m vs 0.3 m
  • 0.07 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.12 x
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.12 x vs 0.192 x
  • 2 stops weaker stabilization
    Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
    2 stops
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
    This camera lens has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (2 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    2 stops vs 4 stops
  • 1,724 g heavier
    Weight
    2,234 g
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (2234 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    2,234 g vs 510 g
  • 140.45 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    232.7 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (232.7 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    232.7 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 51 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    128 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens 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
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2001
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    December 2001
    2001 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
13/08/2005
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM Lens Review
J
jefflynchdev.wordpress.com
16/07/2013
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM - Texas Landscape Photography
P
pbase.com
07/12/2013
Summary of the review
Canon 400mm F4 DO IS & 400mm F5.6L Comparison
D
deltaimage.de
30/01/2022
Summary of the review
Testing the EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS USM – Songbird in the Dachau Moss
(Translated)Show original
D
davidbertuleit.com
21/06/2022
Summary of the review
Test Canon EF 400mm f4 DO IS L USM
(Translated)Show original
T
the-digital-picture.com
13/08/2005
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM Lens Review
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
13/05/2015
Summary of the review
Test Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USMGo to product viewer dialog for this item. (Mentionne les performances par rapport à la version I)
(Translated)Show original
D
dxomark.fr
19/08/2004
Summary of the review
Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM - dxomark (Données techniques et mesures) Souhaitez-vous des précisions sur les différences techniques entre cette versio...
(Translated)Show original
R
rafairusta.com
17/04/2015
Summary of the review
Testing the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM
(Translated)Show original
E
eoszine.nl
26/03/2015
Summary of the review
Review of the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM

  • Exceptionally lightweight and compact for a 400mm lens, making it ideal for hand-holding and travel.
  • Fast and quiet autofocus performance, even when paired with teleconverters.
  • Effective image stabilization that helps maintain sharpness during handheld wildlife and sports photography.
  • Rugged, weather-resistant build quality suitable for professional outdoor use.
  • Advanced Diffractive Optics (DO) technology allows for a significantly shorter barrel compared to traditional telephoto lenses.

What we don't like about Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM

  • Bokeh can occasionally appear harsh or show 'concentric circle' artifacts in specular highlights.
  • Some users report lower contrast compared to non-DO Canon super-telephoto lenses.
  • Image sharpness at the maximum f/4 aperture has been criticized by some as lacking compared to L-series primes.
  • Lacks certain modern features like focus presets or a power focus option for video.
  • High retail price makes it a significant investment compared to other 400mm alternatives.

Verdict

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM is a super-telephoto prime lens featuring innovative Multi-Layer Diffractive Optical (DO) technology, which allows for a significantly more compact and lightweight build—weighing approximately 1,940g and measuring 232.7mm in length—compared to traditional lenses in its class. Key specifications include a bright f/4 maximum aperture, a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast autofocus, and a two-stop optical Image Stabilizer (IS) designed for handheld wildlife and sports photography. Its main pros are excellent portability, effective correction of chromatic and spherical aberrations, and robust weather-sealed construction. However, notable cons include natively lower contrast compared to non-DO lenses, the potential for odd out-of-focus highlights (bokeh) around point light sources, and a relatively long minimum focus distance of 3.5 meters.

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