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Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM : Specifications and Opinions

The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM is a tele lens for FF and APS-C, manufactured from 1993 to 2020 (discontinued). The focus is done by Ultrasonic AF Motor (Ring-USM), it does not have image stabilization. The list price, when it was announced (1993) was 621 €;

163 users have given it an average vote of 9.5 out of 10.

MOUNT

This lens is available with the following mounts:

Canon EF: this lens is compatible with reflex fullframe and APS-C Canon EF.

Specifications
Focal lenght	400 mm
Angle of view	6.2°
Format	FF, APS-C
Max. aperture	f/5.6
Aperture blades	8
Lenses/Groups	7 elements in 6 groups
Min. focus distance	3.50 meters
Reproduction ratio	0.12x
Features
Stabilization	No
Focus	Ultrasonic AF Motor (Ring-USM)
Internal Focus	Yes
Built and notes
Tripod ring	Yes
Extenders	Yes
Filters	77 mm
Lens hood	Built-in
Weather sealing	No
Weight	1250 g
Dimensions	90 x 257 mm
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Reviews

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The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.

LoryM

sent on April 29, 2024

Pros: Sharpness, Portability, L, Built-in Lens Hood, Image Rendering

Cons: Nothing, least of all the 3.5 meters minimum focusing distance!

Opinion: Taken used, of course, I have to say that the fame that precedes this optics is absolutely justified. It works very well both on 1Dx and on R6 and R7 with which it also becomes stabilized thanks to IBIS; To think that a project from 1993 still returns crazy photos on cameras 30 years younger, makes you think. For me it's one of those must-have lenses forever in life, like the 135 f/2. Niche optics, but of unquestionable quality! To date I've only used it at f/5.6, and frankly it's very little wrong. Many complain about the 3.5m minimum focus, but it should be taken into account that it is a 1993 project. Not only that, if we consider that much more expensive and recent lenses such as the 500 f/4 II (about 9000 Euros RCE), the 300 2.8 Canon's flagship for AF and detail (about 2000 Euros RCE), the famous 600 f/4, the 400 2.8 L is (RCE about 4000 Euros) all have 2.5, 3, Some 3.5, some 4.5 etc meters of MAF, I would say that the 3.5 of the 400 5.6 are absolutely in line with age and price. If you need more flexibility, there are zooms. That said, it's slightly longer than a 70-200 2.8, but thinner, which for a fixed 400mm is really a lot of rumble. Very fast af, it weighs as much as a 70-200 2.8 and I find the built-in lens hood very comfortable!! The lack of tropicalization for some might be a problem, but it is subjective, as everyone makes different use of it. Without a doubt it's an optics that I won't regret taking!!

Simonespe

sent on July 18, 2023

Pros: Lightweight, very sharp, practical, and from today, also "stabilized" on R7

Cons: Non-tropicalized

Opinion: I have had it for over a year and I must say that the fame it brings with it is justifiable. I don't have much to say.... It is a very sharp lens to almost all apertures and on R7 it becomes a stabilized 640mm 5.6 and it is incredible how a lens of 30 years ago not only works well on a mirrorless today but even renews itself becoming a stabilized lens. With the active ibis you can easily shoot handheld up to 1/200 .... this changes all the prospects of use for a lens that until yesterday demanded only fast times. Truly exceptional.

Giammarcoa

sent on December 05, 2022

Pros: Sharpness, portability

Cons: Maf Distance

Opinion: A tireless worker, I have had it for several years (clearly bought used) and has never shown signs of slowing down. Very sharp and light. Every time I think about moving on to something more recent I look at what's out there and end up keeping it. The only flaw is that you pass something less than three meters away you have to remember to put down the SLR and enjoy the show with the naked eye, because you will not be able to photograph:)

Riccardo Arena Trazzi

sent on October 21, 2022

Pros: All. AF, blur, lightness, ergonomics, sharpness

Cons: Minimum focusing distance, no stabilization

Opinion: Compared to the years I had him now he begins to feel his age, not so much for him as for the competition. The minimum focusing distance of 3.5m is huge compared to the meter of the 100-400II or 1.2-1.5 of the other Canon telephoto lenses. The absence of stabilization is felt especially on aps-c where the minimum time to use is 1/640s, better 1/800s for safety. There will be more shots discarded for shake than not to be focused. Given this premise, it is an excellent telephoto lens to learn how to photograph or to have a light 400mm. The blurry is crazy, creamy. The sharpness in the center of the frame comparable to the 100-400II. Also used for amateur astrophotography with good results. Only note: being around since 1993 and out of commerce for a while' evaluate the state of the used and inquire about spare parts.

Lucio Parmigiani

sent on August 21, 2022

Pros: Lightweight, transportable, very sharp, fast AF

Cons: IS is missing (but not a major problem), minimum distance of MF

Opinion: I recently bought this used lens, after having used for many years (since 2014) the old 100-400. I immediately appreciated the lightness and portability. Accustomed to the 100-400 that is still transportable looks like a feather. The optical quality is very good already at full aperture. It does not lose significantly even with 1.4x. The AF is better than the already good one of the 100-400 and remains more than usable on the 6DII even with 1.4. It is a sectorial lens and less versatile than the 100-400, but for the photographic hunt it seemed excellent to me. In my opinion it is highly recommended

There are 42 more reviews. Show all »

Photos taken with Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM

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The sample photos are selected automatically between all photos posted by JuzaPhoto members, using the camera and the lens selected in the techs. If you find evident errors (e.g. photos taken with cameras and lenses that are not available yet), you can contribute to improve the page by sending a private message to the user that has entered incorrect values in the photo caption.

Reviews » Lenses » Lenses Canon » Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM : Specifications and Opinions

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Reviews

What do you think about this lens?

Photos taken with Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM