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 with Canon EF mount. It features 100–400mm Telephoto Zoom and f/4.5–5.6 Maximum Aperture. Check GearFocus for current availability with buyer protection and verified sellers.
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
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The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is a full-frame telephoto zoom lens built for Canon EF mount DSLRs. Covering a focal length range of 100mm to 400mm, it offers considerable versatility for subjects at varying distances, from moderately distant scenes to far-off wildlife and sports action. The lens operates as a zoom type, with a maximum aperture of f/4.5 at the wide end, giving photographers a reasonable amount of light-gathering capability across the zoom range.
Autofocus is supported alongside manual focus, giving shooters the flexibility to switch between focus modes depending on the situation. Optical image stabilization is built in, helping to counteract camera shake during handheld shooting. The 77mm filter thread is a widely used size, making it straightforward to source compatible filters.
At 1,570g, this is a substantial lens — as expected for a telephoto zoom of this reach — so shooters should factor weight into their handling setup. The Canon EF mount ensures direct compatibility with Canon's full-frame and APS-C DSLR lineup. Overall, this lens is a well-rounded telephoto zoom suited to photographers who need extended reach on a Canon DSLR system.
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.
Dust & Water Resistance: L-series weather sealing protects the lens against dust and moisture for reliable use in outdoor shooting conditions.
77mm Filter Thread: Uses a widely available filter size, making it straightforward to pair with polarizers, ND filters, and other accessories.
1.4x / 2x Extender Compatible: Works with Canon EF extenders to extend reach up to 560mm or 800mm, with maintained autofocus support on select bodies.
1,570g Build Weight: Substantial but typical for a telephoto zoom of this range — a lens support or monopod is recommended for extended shooting sessions.
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Specifications
| 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 |
| Weight | 1570g |
Description
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
- ✓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
- ✓Compatible with full-frame Canon EF mount DSLRs, covering the full image circle
- ✓77mm filter thread is a common, widely available size for easy filter pairing
- ✓Supports both autofocus and manual focus modes for flexible operation
Cons
- ✗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
- ✗No mirrorless-native mount support without an adapter
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Reviews
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Videos
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
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.