The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR and the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III 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. Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR is the longer of the two lenses at 358mm. The Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM with a length of 343mm, is 15mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM has a larger diameter of 163mm compared to the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR's 124mm 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, 13% (435g) lighter than the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR's weight of 3275g.
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR and the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III 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 Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) 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
Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR has a focal range of 200-400mm and
2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
300 - 600mm.
On the other hand, the Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III 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.
