Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 IS L Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the model was launched 2011.
The lens belongs to the category  telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 200-400 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4.

The lens is to considered fairly bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues. Lenses with good aperture values and longer focal lengths, such as this lens, tend to be popular amongs sports and nature photographers.

A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 200 mm or at 400 mm the aperture value can be f/4.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

If you want to use filters on this lens the slot-in filters  (52 mm) would be the ones to use.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "ET-120 (WII)".

Tripod Mount

This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.

Pictures (product and sample images)

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • Long focal length with its 400 mm
  • An impressive focal range
  • Works on all sensor types
  • A lens hood is included
  • A tripod mount is included
  • The lens is sealed against dust and moisture
  • Heavy (3620 gr)
  • The price (more info)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 IS L.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

Best deals on Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 IS L

Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.

Reviews

sefotosidan.se (reviews by users)
usandyrouse.co.uk
usdpreview.com
sefotosidan.se
sefotosidan.se
sejonasljungdahl.com
usjuzaphoto.com
uskenrockwell.com
usphotographybay.com
usprophotocoalition.com
usthe-digital-picture.com
usvimeo.com (reviews by users)

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Pictures (product and sample images)

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.

Alternatives to Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 IS L for Canon photographers

Below you will find four interesting alternatives to Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 IS L. Make sure to compare these (and other) options before deciding which lens you will buy.

Sigma EX 120-300mm f/2,8 DG OS APO HSM Sigma EX 120-300mm f/2,8 DG OS APO HSM
Canon EF 300mm f/2,8 L IS II USM Canon EF 300mm f/2,8 L IS II USM
Canon EF 400mm f/2,8 L IS II USM Canon EF 400mm f/2,8 L IS II USM
Sigma EX 120-300mm f/2,8 APO DG HSM  Sigma EX 120-300mm f/2,8 APO DG HSM

Popular searches for this lens

If you want do dig deeper and look for more information about this lens you can be prepared that other photographers name and search for this lens in a lot of different ways. Here are a few of the most popular search strings:

  • Canon 200-400 mm f 4 IS
  • 200-400 mm Canon IS
  • 200-400 mm Canon
  • Canon 200-400 mm f 4
  • Canon 4 200-400 mm
  • Canon 4 200-400
  • Canon 200-400 mm IS
  • Canon f 4 200 400
Because of this we also created a special page for this.