In this review, we will be comparing Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM and Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS 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 f4.0 DO IS 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.
What type of photography are the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM and Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS 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 f4.0 DO IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
| Photography Type |
Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM |
Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM |
| Bird/Wildlife | Excellent | Excellent |
| Sports | Excellent | Excellent |
| Portrait | Fair | Fair |
| Travel | Poor | Poor |
| Street | Poor | Poor |
| Wedding | Fair | Fair |
| Walk Around | Poor | Poor |
| Vlogging | Poor | Poor |
| Landscape | Poor | Poor |
| Macro | Poor | Poor |
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 f4.0 DO IS 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 f4.0 DO IS 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 f4.0 DO IS USM weighs 1940g, 31% (900g) 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
Lens Mounts
Both Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM and Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS 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