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Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM vs Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM

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Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM

Telephoto Prime | Canon EF

Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM
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Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM

Telephoto Prime | Canon EF

Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM
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Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM vs Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM Comparison Overview

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.

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 f4.0 DO IS 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: 1940g.
  • Diameter: 128mm
  • Length: 233mm
  • Min Focus Distance:3.5m
  • Max Magnification:0.12x

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/WildlifeExcellentExcellent
SportsExcellentExcellent
PortraitFairFair
TravelPoorPoor
StreetPoorPoor
WeddingFairFair
Walk AroundPoorPoor
VloggingPoorPoor
LandscapePoorPoor
MacroPoorPoor

Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM was replaced by Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM vs
Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM vs

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
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 f4.0 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

Reasons to choose Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM over Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO IS 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
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 8 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Minimum Focus Distance 2.5m vs 3.5m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.17x vs 0.12x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Canon EF 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM over Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM

Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Weight 1940g vs 2840g 900g 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 f4.0 DO IS 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 f4.0 DO IS 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 Grey and Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
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 8
Optics
Optical Elements 17 17
Optical Groups 13 13
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 2.5m 3.5m
Max Magnification 0.17X 0.12X
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 Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Yes Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 2840g 1940g
Diameter 163mm 128mm
Length 343mm 233mm
Materials Magnesium alloy Metal barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 52mm 52mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Unknown
Hood Code Unknown ET-120
Tripod Collar Yes Yes
Optional Accessories - Lens Case 400
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