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Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens

BH #CA4004ISEFM2 • MFR #8404B002
Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens
Key Features
  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/4 to f/32
  • Gapless Dual-Layer Diffractive Optics
  • One Aspherical Element, One UD Element
Featuring a unique optical design and paired with advanced image stabilization technologies, the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM is a super telephoto lens characterized by its relative lightweight and compact form factor. Gapless dual-layer diffractive optics are employed within this lens' construction to produce a smaller, lighter 400mm option with enhanced correction for chromatic and spherical aberrations. Aspherical and UD elements are also used to further reduce distortions and a Sub Wavelength Coating contribute to increased clarity and contrast. Complementing the sophisticated optical layout, a four stop-effective Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake and can be dedicated to different styles of shooting. Ideally positioned as a versatile option for sports and wildlife photographers, this lens' high-performance attributes and natural handling render this a viable telephoto option for a variety of applications.
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Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Overview

Featuring a unique optical design and paired with advanced image stabilization technologies, the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM is a super telephoto lens characterized by its relative lightweight and compact form factor. Gapless dual-layer diffractive optics are employed within this lens' construction to produce a smaller, lighter 400mm option with enhanced correction for chromatic and spherical aberrations. Aspherical and UD elements are also used to further reduce distortions and a Sub Wavelength Coating contribute to increased clarity and contrast. Complementing the sophisticated optical layout, a four stop-effective Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake and can be dedicated to different styles of shooting. Ideally positioned as a versatile option for sports and wildlife photographers, this lens' high-performance attributes and natural handling render this a viable telephoto option for a variety of applications.

Housed within a weather-resistant barrel, this lens also features fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements for protection against fingerprints and other elements from affecting image quality. Focusing is complemented by the inclusion of AF stop buttons at the front of the lens, as well as full-time manual focus override and Power Focus mode for smooth shifting of focus.

Super telephoto 400mm f/4 lens is compatible with full-frame EF-mount DSLR cameras, as well as APS-C-sized sensors where it will provide a 640mm equivalent focal length.
Gapless dual-layer diffractive optics contribute to a marked reduction in chromatic and spherical aberrations as well as benefit the design of a relatively compact and lightweight lens.
One large diameter ground aspherical element and one ultra-low dispersion UD element minimize aberrations and distortions while also contributing to greater sharpness and clarity.
A Sub Wavelength Coating has been applied to individual elements to control lens flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color fidelity when working in strong lighting conditions.
An Optical Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to four shutter speed stops to better enable working in low-light conditions and with slower shutter speeds. Three distinct IS modes are available: standard single-shot mode, a panning-optimized mode, and a mode that only activates the Image Stabilizer during the exposure.
A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), along with optimized focusing algorithms and a high-speed CPU, is employed to deliver fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override.
Focus Preset function is available to quickly recall a programmed focusing position.
Focus Limiter switch lets you constrain the focusing to three different ranges to suit different applications: 10.8-26.2', 10.8'-infinity, or 26.2'-infinity.
A Power Focus setting is available, and allows you to electronically and smoothly adjust your focus position to suit video recording. This setting utilizes a dedicated ring in front of the main focusing ring and allows you to use one of two different focusing speeds.
A weather-resistant design protects the lens from dust and moisture to enable its use in inclement conditions. Additionally, fluorine coatings have also been applied to the front and rear lens elements for further protection against fingerprints and smudging.
Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.
Fixed rotating tripod collar benefits working with the lens atop a tripod or monopod.
Compatible with optional EF 1.4X and EF 2X teleconverters.

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USMSpecs

Key Specs
Focal Length
400mm
Maximum Aperture
f/4
Lens Mount
Canon EF
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Yes
Filter Size
52 mm (Drop-In)
Maximum Aperture
f/4
Minimum Aperture
f/32
Lens Mount
Canon EF
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
6° 10'
Minimum Focus Distance
10.83' / 3.3 m
Maximum Magnification
0.13x
Optical Design
18 Elements in 12 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Yes
Tripod Collar
Fixed and Rotating
Filter Size
52 mm (Drop-In)
Dimensions (ø x L)
5.04 x 9.16" / 128 x 232.7 mm
Weight
4.63 lb / 2.1 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
14.4 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
19 x 16 x 14"

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

When using the 400 DOII lens with the EF to RF ...

When using the 400 DOII lens with the EF to RF filter adapter (which of course will have its own drop in filter of choice), does one remove the neutral drop in filter fitted with the lens for leave it in? Thanks
Asked by: Isaac
The filter can stay in place.
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2020-12-17

Image quality 400mm DO vs new 100-400. I ...

Image quality 400mm DO vs new 100-400. I understand other tradeoffs but interested in IQ?
Asked by: Bruce
The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM is optically better than the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens and also has a one-stop advantage in exposure.
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2021-07-22

what does the "DO" refer to?

what does the "DO" refer to?
Asked by: Kevin
The "DO" in the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens refers to diffractive optics. Gapless dual-layer diffractive optics are employed within this lens' construction to produce a smaller, lighter 400mm option with enhanced correction for chromatic and spherical aberrations.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2023-10-24

question

How would you say the 400 f/4 DO II compares to the 300mm f/2.8 in terms of sharpness & bokeh? Trying to decide between the two and am inclined to more reach available in the 400mm.
Asked by: Rick
Sharpness is about the same and have use it with my 7D2 with great results. Both lens are keepers in my book.
Answered by: Bill F.
Date published: 2018-08-25

question

Hi B&H,I recently purchased a 400DO II Lens from you. Now looking for a compact soft case to hold the lens and hood. Something like the Lowepro soft case, but unfortunately the Lowepro does not meet the required dimensions. Do you have another recommendation ? Your help is appreciated. Thanks Kent
Asked by: Kent D.
Try the Kinesis brand bags - I used the real long one for my 500 - I think you would find them acceptable
Answered by: Marcy S.
Date published: 2018-08-25

Update please. 300mm f2.8 with 1.4x image quality ...

Update please. 300mm f2.8 with 1.4x image quality vs 400mm f4?
Asked by: Bruce
The image quality is virtually the same but by using the 300mm f2.8 with the 1.4x teleconverter, you gain more versatility. You can use the 300mm f2.8 in low light when 420mm is not needed and then you can use the 300mm plus the teleconverter when a longer range is needed.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2021-07-12

How is this lens an improvement over the previous ...

How is this lens an improvement over the previous model 400mmDO?
Asked by: John
The Canon EF 400mm f/4 II weighs half of what the older lens does, and has four additional stops of shutter speed thanks to Canon's optical image stabilization. The DO element in the new lens is optimally positioned deeper within the optical formula than in the original EF 400mm DO lens to help reduce flare around backlit subjects.
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2022-09-28

I have a 7D Mark 2 camera. Will the 400 f/4 DO II ...

I have a 7D Mark 2 camera. Will the 400 f/4 DO II auto focus all points with both the 1.4iii extender and the 2.0iii extender ?
Asked by: Fred
Sorry, but in the world of super telephotos and 2x extenders, you are lucky to have any AF focus points. On the 7D Mark II with the 400mm f/4 and the 2x III, the fastest stop is f/8. With that stop, you get the center AF point with its cross point focusing. The points immediately above, below, left and right are regular AF and are available if you select AF point expansion (manual selection).
Answered by: Dennis L
Date published: 2019-12-08
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