The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon RF 100-500mm and the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM 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. Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 233mm. The Canon RF 100-500mm with a length of 208mm, is 25mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM also has a larger diameter of 128mm compared to the Canon RF 100-500mm's 94mm 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 RF 100-500mm weighs 1365g, which means it is 575g (29%) lighter than the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM which has a weight of 1940g.
Filter Threads
The Canon RF 100-500mm has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon RF 100-500mm:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM:
Lens Mounts
The Canon RF 100-500mm has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R6 V, Canon R6 III and Canon C50 for the Canon RF Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Canon RF 100-500mm has a focal range of 100-500mm and
5.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
160 - 800mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 400mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 640mm.
