The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon RF 400mm F2.8L and the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II 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 500mm f4.0L IS II USM is the longer of the two lenses at 383mm. The Canon RF 400mm F2.8L with a length of 367mm, is 16mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon RF 400mm F2.8L has a larger diameter of 163mm compared to the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II USM's 146mm 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 400mm F2.8L weighs 2890g, which means it is 300g (9%) lighter than the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II USM which has a weight of 3190g.
Filter Threads
Both the Canon RF 400mm F2.8L and the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II USM have the same Filter thread size of 52mm.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Canon RF 400mm F2.8L has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II 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 400mm F2.8L 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.
On the other hand, the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 800mm.
