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 Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM is the longer of the two lenses at 359mm. The Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM with a length of 343mm, is 16mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM has a larger diameter of 163mm compared to the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM's 158mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM weighs 2840g, which means it is 55g (1%) lighter than the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM which has a weight of 2895g.
Filter Threads
The Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM has a filter size of 52mm whereas the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM has a 41mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM:
And these are the 41mm filters that we recommend for the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM:
Lens Mounts
The Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM has the Canon EF lens mount whereas the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM has the Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV for the Canon EF Mount and Sony A9 III, Sony A7C Mark II and Sony A7CR for the Sony E Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
400mm and the fastest aperture of
F2.8.