The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR 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 Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR with a length of 358mm, is 25mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR has a larger diameter of 160mm 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 500mm f4.0L IS II USM weighs 3190g, 16% (610g) lighter than the Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR's weight of 3800g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR has a filter size of 41mm whereas the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II 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 41mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS II USM:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR has the Nikon F (FX) 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 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 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 400mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
600mm.
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.
