In this review, we will be comparing Canon 400mm f5.6L USM and Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM, two Telephoto Prime lenses by Canon. Both cameras have the same focal range of 400mm but different max apertures: Canon 400mm f5.6L USM has a max aperture of F5.6 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.
Size and Weight Comparison
Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Canon 400mm f5.6L USM is the longer of the two lenses at 257mm. The Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM with a length of 233mm is 24mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM has a larger diameter of 128mm compared to Canon 400mm f5.6L USM's 90mm 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 f5.6L USM weighs 1250g, which means it is 690g (55%) lighter than the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM which has a weight of 1940g.
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 400mm f5.6L 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