Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is a 100–400mm f/4.5 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
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Lens Overview — Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Key Features — Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
100–400mm Telephoto Zoom: Covers a versatile focal range from short telephoto to extreme reach, making it suitable for wildlife, sports, and aviation in a single lens.
f/4.5–5.6 Maximum Aperture: Provides reasonable light-gathering capability across the zoom range for faster shutter speeds in outdoor and action shooting.
4-Stop Optical Stabilization: Canon's IS II system delivers up to 4 stops of shake compensation, enabling sharper handheld results at long focal lengths.
Ring-Type USM Autofocus: Ultrasonic motor delivers fast, near-silent autofocus with full-time manual override for precise focus control.
Canon EF Mount: Fully compatible with Canon's full-frame and APS-C DSLR lineup, with electronic communication for autofocus and image stabilization.
Push-Pull Zoom Design: Sliding zoom mechanism allows fast focal length changes, well-suited to tracking unpredictable subjects in the field.
Lens Specifications — Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Birding, Adventure |
| Lens Type | Zoom |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 100–400mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 77mm |
Description — Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is a telephoto zoom lens covering a focal length range of 100mm to 400mm, designed for use with Canon EF mount DSLR cameras. Built for full-frame sensors, it delivers coverage across the full image circle while remaining compatible with APS-C EF-mount bodies as well. The lens offers a maximum aperture of f/4.5 at the wide end, with support for both autofocus and manual focus operation to suit a range of shooting styles. Optical image stabilization is included to help manage camera shake, particularly useful when shooting at the longer end of the zoom range.
A 77mm filter thread makes it straightforward to attach commonly available filters. Weighing in at 1,570g, this is a substantial piece of glass that reflects the extended reach it provides. Whether you are shooting at 100mm or fully extended to 400mm, the zoom type design allows for quick composition adjustments without changing lenses.
The Canon EF mount ensures broad compatibility across Canon's DSLR ecosystem.
Pros — Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
- ✓Wide focal length range of 100–400mm covers everything from short telephoto to extreme reach in a single lens
- ✓Maximum aperture of f/4.5 provides reasonable light gathering at the wide end of the zoom
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake during handheld shooting
Cons — Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
- ✗At 1,570g, the lens is quite heavy and may require additional support for extended handheld use
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/4.5–5.6 narrows at longer focal lengths, which can limit performance in lower light at 400mm
- ✗Restricted to Canon EF mount, limiting use to compatible Canon DSLR bodies only
Reviews — Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Videos — Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM 'L' 'ii' lens review with samples (Full-frame and APS-C) — Christopher Frost
Frequently Asked Questions — Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Canon EF mount, making it directly compatible with Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras. It is designed for full-frame sensors but will also work on APS-C Canon DSLRs that use the EF mount.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens features optical image stabilization, which helps reduce the effects of camera shake during handheld shooting. This is particularly useful at longer focal lengths where camera movement is more pronounced.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 77mm filter thread, which is a standard size across many professional lenses. This makes it easy to find compatible polarizers, ND filters, and other accessories.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus modes. You can switch between the two depending on your shooting requirements and subject behavior.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 1,570g, which is substantial. Photographers planning extended handheld sessions should consider a support system such as a monopod or tripod to reduce fatigue.
Is this lens suitable for full-frame cameras?+
Yes, the lens is designated as a full-frame format lens, meaning it is designed to cover a full-frame image sensor. It will work on both full-frame and APS-C Canon EF-mount DSLRs.