Canon EF 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6 L IS USM Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the model was launched 1998.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
- See all lenses released by Canon
- See all lenses that was released 1998
- Read more about tele photo lenses
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 100-400 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.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6 L IS USM
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4,5-5,6.
This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.
One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 100 mm the lens brightness is f/4,5 and at 400 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.
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.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "ET-83C".
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.
- Images of Canon EF 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6 L IS USM
- Sample pictures taken with Canon EF 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6 L IS USM
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.
- 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
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
- Heavy (1380 gr)
- The price (more info)
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6 L IS USM .
| Build Quality |
 
|
| Image Quality |
|
| Autofocus |
|
| Sharpness |
|
| Versatility |
|
| Value |
|
| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
Best deals on Canon EF 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6 L IS USM
Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.
Reviews
Let Google search for reviews for Canon EF 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6 L IS USM
Get help from Google - Click to make a search for reviews of this lens
Found a new review? Please submit the link above.
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.
- Images of Canon EF 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6 L IS USM
- Sample pictures taken with Canon EF 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6 L IS USM
Alternatives to Canon EF 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6 L IS USM for Canon photographers
Below you will find four interesting alternatives to Canon EF 100-400mm f/4,5-5,6 L IS USM . Make sure to compare these (and other) options before deciding which lens you will buy.
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 100-400 mm f 4,5-5,6 IS
- 100-400 mm Canon IS
- 100-400 mm Canon
- Canon 100-400 mm f 4,5-5,6
- Canon 4,5-5,6 100-400 mm
- Canon f 4,5-5,6 100-400
- Canon 100-400 mm IS
- Canon f 4,5-5,6 100 400
