In this review, we will be comparing the Canon 400mm f2.8L IS II USM for the EF Mount and the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM for the EF Mount, two Telephoto Prime lenses by Canon. Both lenses have the same focal length and max apertures of 400mm and F2.8 so they are very comparable in this regard.
We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.
What type of photography are the Canon 400mm f2.8L IS II USM and Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III 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 400mm f2.8L IS II USM and the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
| Photography Type |
Canon 400mm f2.8L IS II USM |
Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III 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
The 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 EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM weighs 2840g, 26% (1010g) lighter than the Canon 400mm f2.8L IS II USM's weight of 3850g.
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 the Canon 400mm f2.8L IS II USM and the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III 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
Both lenses have the same focal range of 400mm and the fastest aperture of F2.8.