CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
      • Samsung Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
    • Cameras by Lens Mount
      • Sony E Mount Cameras
      • Canon RF Mount Cameras
      • Nikon Z Mount Cameras
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cameras
      • Leica L Mount Cameras
      • Nikon F Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF M Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF S Mount Cameras
      • Pentax KAF Mount Cameras
      • Sony Alpha Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm G Mount Cameras
      • Sigma SA Mount Cameras
      • Nikon 1 Mount Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM vs Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM

x
Lens to replace
Change

Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM

Telephoto Prime | Canon EF

Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM
CHECK PRICE

BUY from B&H PHOTO
Change
    
Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM

Telephoto Prime | Canon EF

Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM
CHECK PRICE

BUY from B&H PHOTO

Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM vs Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM and Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM, two Telephoto Prime lenses by Canon. Both lenses have the same focal range of 400mm but different max apertures: Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM has a max aperture of F2.8 while the Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM has a max aperture of F4.0.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM Key Specs

  • 400mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 52mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 2840g.
  • Diameter: 163mm
  • Length: 343mm
  • Min Focus Distance:2.5m
  • Max Magnification:0.17x

Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM Key Specs

  • 400mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 52mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 2100g.
  • Diameter: 128mm
  • Length: 233mm
  • Min Focus Distance:3.3m
  • Max Magnification:0.13x

What type of photography are the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM and Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM and the Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM
Bird/WildlifeExcellentExcellent
SportsExcellentExcellent
PortraitFairFair
TravelPoorPoor
StreetPoorPoor
WeddingFairFair
Walk AroundPoorPoor
VloggingPoorPoor
LandscapePoorPoor
MacroPoorPoor

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM is the longer of the two lenses at 343mm. The Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM with a length of 233mm is 110mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM also has a larger diameter of 163mm compared to Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM's 128mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM weighs 2100g, 26% (740g) lighter than the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM's weight of 2840g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.

Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
521mm
157mm 4900g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 85mm f1.8 USM Lens Canon 85mm f1.8 USM
72mm
75mm 425g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM
448mm
168mm 3050g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM
84mm
92mm 1025g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 200mm f2L IS USM Lens Canon 200mm f2L IS USM
208mm
128mm 2520g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS USM Lens Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM
387mm
146mm 3870g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm f5.6L USM Lens Canon 400mm f5.6L USM
257mm
90mm 1250g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon 400mm f2.8L IS II USM
343mm
163mm 3850g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM and Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.

Focal Range

Reasons to choose Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM over Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM

Max Aperture - Wide 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at tele end
Minimum Focus Distance 2.5m vs 3.3m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.17x vs 0.13x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM over Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM

Weight 2100g vs 2840g 740g lighter
Diameter 128mm vs 163mm 35mm smaller in diameter
Length 233mm vs 343mm 110mm shorter

Common Strengths of Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM and Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM
Image Stabilization Yes vs Yes Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM vs Canon 400mm F4 DO IS II USM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Canon Canon
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Prime Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Canon EF Canon EF
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 400mm 400mm
Image Stabilization Yes Yes
Colour Unknown White
Zoom Method No Zoom Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F4.0
Min Aperture F32 F32.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 17 18
Optical Groups 13 12
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 2.5m 3.3m
Max Magnification 0.17X 0.13X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Rear Internal
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Yes Yes
Physical Specs
Weight 2840g 2100g
Diameter 163mm 128mm
Length 343mm 233mm
Materials Magnesium alloy Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 52mm 52mm
Filter Notes - Uses drop-in filters
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown ET-120
Tripod Collar Yes Yes
Optional Accessories - Lens case (400D)
Report a Correction
FOLLOW US


Latest Lenses
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
Sony E | F4 Standard Zoom
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
Leica L | F4.5-6.3 Telephoto Zoom
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
Sony E | F4.5-6.3 Telephoto Zoom
Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro
Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro
Leica L | F4-5.6 Wideangle Zoom
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH POWER OIS
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH POWER OIS
Micro Four Thirds | F2.8 Standard Zoom
Most Popular Lenses
Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III
Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III
75-300mm | F4.0 - F5.6 Telephoto Zoom
Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
24-105mm | F4 Standard Zoom
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G
70-300mm | F4.0 - F5.6 Telephoto Zoom
Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS
Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS
18-55mm | F2.8 - F4.0 Standard Zoom
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
16-55mm | F2.8 Standard Zoom
Copyright © 2023 by CameraDecision
Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision

Report a Correction