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Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens

BH #CA40028L3 • MFR #3045C002
 16 reviews
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens
Key Features
  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/32
  • Super UD and Fluorite Elements
  • Super Spectra and Air Sphere Coatings
Pairing a favored super telephoto focal length with a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM is a Canon L-series optic well-suited for outdoor, wildlife, and sports applications. This version III of this prized lens features a lighter weight design along with a sophisticated optical layout and updated handling capabilities. The fast maximum aperture enables extensive control over depth of field for isolating subjects using selective focus, and it also benefits working in difficult lighting conditions. Both Super UD and fluorite elements are used in the optical design to help reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations for high clarity and color accuracy, and Super Spectra and Air Sphere Coatings have been applied to individual elements to suppress flare and ghosting for increased contrast and color neutrality when working in backlit conditions.
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Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Overview

Pairing a favored super telephoto focal length with a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM is a Canon L-series optic well-suited for outdoor, wildlife, and sports applications. This version III of this prized lens features a lighter weight design along with a sophisticated optical layout and updated handling capabilities. The fast maximum aperture enables extensive control over depth of field for isolating subjects using selective focus, and it also benefits working in difficult lighting conditions. Both Super UD and fluorite elements are used in the optical design to help reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations for high clarity and color accuracy, and Super Spectra and Air Sphere Coatings have been applied to individual elements to suppress flare and ghosting for increased contrast and color neutrality when working in backlit conditions.

Beyond the optical attributes, this 400mm f/2.8 is also characterized by its advanced five stop-effective Image Stabilizer system, which has three separate stabilization modes to suit various shooting applications. Also complementing handling is a sophisticated ring-type USM, which provides quick, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. A customizable electronic focusing ring further contributes to precise manual focus control, by affording three focusing sensitivity levels for different applications. Additionally, this lens is weather-sealed for use in trying environmental conditions, and it has a removable rotating tripod collar to benefit working atop a tripod or monopod.

Super telephoto prime is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, however can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 640mm equivalent focal length.
Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also affords significant control over depth of field for working with selective focus techniques.
Super UD and fluorite elements are used to greatly reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to achieve greater clarity and color accuracy.
Super Spectra and Air Sphere Coatings have 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 five 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.
Customizable electronic focusing ring provides three sensitivity levels for how quickly and precisely the lens can manually focus.
Focus Preset function is available to quickly recall a programmed focusing position.
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.
As a member of the esteemed L-series, this lens is sealed against dust and moisture for working in inclement environmental conditions and also features a fluorine coating on the front and rear elements to guard against water spots, smudges, or oil residue.
Removable rotating tripod collar is included and benefits working with the lens atop a tripod or monopod.
Compatible with optional EF 1.4X and EF 2X teleconverters.
UPC: 013803306026

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Specs

Focal Length
400mm
Maximum Aperture
f/2.8
Minimum Aperture
f/32
Lens Mount
Canon EF
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
6° 10'
Minimum Focus Distance
8.2' / 2.5 m
Maximum Magnification
0.17x
Optical Design
17 Elements in 13 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Yes
Tripod Collar
Removable and Rotating
Filter Size
52 mm (Drop-In)
Dimensions (ø x L)
6.42 x 13.5" / 163 x 343 mm
Weight
6.25 lb / 2840 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
15.3 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
23 x 15.5 x 15"

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Reviews

Great Lens

By Richard
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-20

This lens is so light and much faster than the old one. Very happy..

400mm III

By Scott
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-04-29

So much lighter than the previous version. Image quality is great. Works well with the RF converter.

This lens delivers. Period.

By jpegJoe
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-12-31

I saved for many years to get a 400mm 2.8. When I was ready to purchase, the IS III was the latest option. I had rented the V1 and V2 of this lens in the past and I just couldn't believe how light it was! This lens is sharp and the focus is wicked fast.

Ideal for hand-held bird ptg on long hikes

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-12-16

For bird photography, I need an 800 mm telephoto that I can hand-hold and carry on difficult hikes. With 2x extender, this lens gives superb quality and still can be hand-held. I made it as light as possible by removing the shoe and using my 5D camera body. With hood, the weight is then 9.8 lb. Without hood, it is 9.0 lb. Not easy, but doable -- especially when Birds of paradise are at stake. Excellent combination; happily recommended.

Not mirrorless!

By PKM
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-07-28

Sampled a friends. Very sharp and light weight, but Sony is dominating with their A9 & A9-ll mirrorless cameras and full compliment of compatible pro lenses. Canon needs to get with it, because I know many former Canon users who have defected for Sony.

Amazing lens!

By Tim
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-02-27

I do a lot of HS football photos and worried that with the 400mm I may be a little to close to the action. It took me a little bit of getting use to but once I figured out my standing points on the field I have got nothing but amazing shots with this lens. I shoot with a 1DX MarkII. This is a great combination. Beautiful color, sharp and fast! If you can afford it I recommend it. I was debating between this and the 300mm 2.8 and believe I would have been happy with the 300mm but am very happy I bought the 400mm.

Lighter, but worth it?

By Robert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-20

I have owned a lot of Canon super telephoto lens, including the 300 IS II, the 400 IS II, and the 600 IS II. My primary interest is creature photography. When I was given the chance to buy the 400 IS III at a substantial savings in used, like new condition from B&H, I jumped at it. I had read reviews reporting that the image quality is superior to that of the 400 IS II, but my experience has failed to support that claim. For fear that the new lens might not be as good as my copy of the 400 IS II, I kept the version II and have done extensive comparison testing. I can detect no improvement in image quality. The version III is significantly lighter and its center of gravity is farther back, but for the difference in cost, I consider the version II to be the better buy. (I generally shoot from a sandbag out the driver's window, from a gimble-mounted monopod out the passenger window, from a tripod with a gimble for prolonged shooting setups, from a monopod with a gimble when hiking, and hand-held for shooting flying birds or running mammals. In all of these the series II performs as well as the series III, except that for wing shooting the Series II is superior, because its front-heavy balance and extra weight cause it to swing more smoothly. (Both lenses produce sharp images with 1.4 or 2x Series III teleconverters.) I greatly prefer either to my 600mm IS II, which is clumsy for handling in tighter spaces, and which does not produce high quality images with a 2X teleconverter. Never-the-less, at 75 years of age the lighter weight is appreciated. I question, however, whether the lesser weight of the series III is worth its extra price tag.

Amazing

By Scott
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-06

Was surprised at how light this lens is compared to the previous version. Same great quality and fast focusing.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Does this lens with 1Dx II fit on E6 eagle series ...

Does this lens with 1Dx II fit on E6 eagle series fotopro tripod with gimble head.?
Asked by: Jay
I would say yes. But check the weight of the lens & camera plus any attachments against the max weight spec for the E6. Also, you'll need an Arca-type plate like the Oben 53 Long Lens QR plate or invest a little more and get the Wimberly AP-601 Replacement Foot. I chose the foot replacment and it works well.
Answered by: Michael
Date published: 2021-01-15

When dont I need to use the stabiliser

When dont I need to use the stabiliser
Asked by: Anonymous
You will need a sitch image stabilization On in your Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens when you are hand-holding your camera and lens or using a monopod during panning with photos and videos.
Answered by: llinelva
Date published: 2021-10-21

When should you turn off us

When should you turn off us
Asked by: Anonymous
You can turn off IS when shooting on a tripod or other rigid support but it is not required.
Answered by: Bjorn
Date published: 2021-12-02

is the III really *THAT* much better than the II? ...

is the III really *THAT* much better than the II? I've used the II and it's the sexiest lens I've ever had my hands on. is the III really worth the upgrade?
Asked by: Linda
If you prefer to have a lighter option with similar performance to your current 400mm II lens, then getting this model is worth the upgrade.
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2020-01-28

Is the end of the lens threaded for a protective ...

Is the end of the lens threaded for a protective screw on UV filter?
Asked by: BM
Protection is managed by using the lens hood. Mount the lens with the hood in the storage position, leaving on the cloth bag/cover. When secure, remove cover and reverse the hood. If some object can travel that far and scratch this beauty...
Answered by: Michael
Date published: 2022-03-27

Is the autofocus significantly improved over the ...

Is the autofocus significantly improved over the 400/2.8 II?
Asked by: Thomas G
Yes, it has noticeably better focus and focus tracking than series II.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-01-28

Will this lens work with 2x extender?

Will this lens work with 2x extender?
Asked by: Viraj
If you have the latest version extender they work absolutely perfectly together
Answered by: Mike
Date published: 2021-12-24

Hi. Is this lens 100% compatible with 7d mark ii?

Hi. Is this lens 100% compatible with 7d mark ii?
Asked by: Aroon
Yes this lens is 100% compatible with the 7d Mark II.
Answered by: Daniel
Date published: 2020-08-04
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