Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS USM Mk II review

Overview

The EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM is a new generation super telephoto 400mm lens with a large Aperture ratio of f/2.8 and first rate imaging performance. With image stabilization effective over two shutter speeds this lens stands out.

You can have reliable capabilities when used for fashion photography performed indoors and at night. The optical system includes one Fluorite and two UD lenses that eliminate secondary spectrum, for ultra high Contrast and image quality.

Lens Specifications

Generic Lens Specifications

Lens Type: Prime
IS / VR / OS: IS
Canon L Class: Yes
Min Focal length (mm): 400
Max Focal Length (mm): 400
Number of Elements: 17
Element Groups: 13
Max Aperture: 2.8
Minimum Aperture: 32
Diaphragm Blades: 8
Closest Focus Distance (m): 3
Maximum Magnification: 0.15
Filter Type: Drop In
Filter Diameter (mm): 52
Diameter at widest (mm): 163
Lens Length (mm): 349
Weight (g): 5300
Release Date: October 1999

Details

Depth-of-Field Data for EF400mm f/2.8L II USM

[unit:m]

D	F2.8		4		5.6		8		11		16		22		32
D	ND	FD	ND	FD	ND	FD	ND	FD	ND	FD	ND	FD	ND	FD	ND	FD
Inf.	1555	Inf.	1099	Inf.	777	Inf.	550	Inf.	389	Inf.	275	Inf.	195	Inf.	138	Inf.
30	29.45	30.57	29.23	30.81	28.92	31.16	28.50	31.67	27.92	32.42	27.14	33.55	26.12	35.29	24.78	38.06
15	14.87	15.14	14.81	15.19	14.73	15.28	14.63	15.39	14.49	15.56	14.27	15.81	13.99	16.17	13.61	16.17
10	9.94	10.06	9.92	10.08	9.89	10.12	9.84	10.17	9.77	10.24	9.68	10.34	9.56	10.49	9.38	10.71
7	6.97	7.03	6.96	7.04	6.95	7.05	6.92	7.08	6.89	7.11	6.85	7.16	6.79	7.23	6.71	7.32
5	4.99	5.01	4.98	5.02	4.97	5.03	4.96	5.04	4.95	5.05	4.93	5.08	4.89	5.12	4.86	5.15
4	3.99	4.01	3.99	4.01	3.98	4.02	3.98	4.02	3.97	4.03	3.96	4.05	3.94	4.06	3.91	4.09

* D = Focusing Distance ND = Near Distance FD = Far Distance Inf. = Infinity

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User Lens Reviews

Average user rating from: 3 user(s)


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		4.3
Value for Money		5.0

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Produces Wow Images, Sunday, 18 November 2007


Overall rating (weighted)		5.0
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		5.0
Value for Money		5.0

This lens is the tool to get images that jump out at the viewer. As a sports lens I don't know if there is a better solution. It is a lot of weight to pack around, but after one or two games you get used to moving it around. A mono-pod is required for shooting any more than a few shots at a time. Since I purchased this lens it has been attached to my camera exclusively with the exception of one wedding shoot.

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One of the World's Best, Sunday, 24 December 2006


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		5.0

I consider this lens indispensible for the photography I do (action and sports). It has paid for itself in photographic sales many times over with images that no other lens can take. I combine it with good camera support (Gitzo 1325) and a Wimberly head. With a 1DMk2 body, we're talking over 15 lbs, and that's not something you want to hand hold. The images at f/2.8 are sharp and contrasty. When I nail a shot, the shallow Depth of field is breathtaking. It's ability to stop action and to work in low light is amazing. I've had someone ask me how often I use this lens, and the answer is "every chance I get." You want to know how Sports Illustrated Photographers get their shots? This is part of their toolkit.

If you can afford it, get it!, Monday, 24 October 2005


Overall rating (weighted)		4.8
Sharpness		5.0
Build Quality		5.0
AF Speed		4.0
Value for Money		5.0

This is the most expensive, but most impressive lens I own. Produces amazing sports/nature shots. I could gush and gurgle about it all day, but the bottom line is if you want the long range lens to have this is it. Add the 2x converter and you have an 800mm lens.