Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Announced October 1, 1998
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Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM is a widely popular telephoto zoom that offers a versatile focal range and excellent sharpness for its price. Although it remains a capable performer, its push-pull design and older technology make it feel dated compared to more modern, lighter alternatives.
Weighted from 7 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image sharpness and contrast across the zoom range
- Versatile focal length range in a relatively compact build
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance
- Effective image stabilization for handheld shooting
- Intuitive push-pull zoom mechanism for tracking motion
Cons
- Cumbersome push-pull design that can extend unintentionally or suffer from friction adjustment issues
- Ergonomic interference between the zoom friction and manual focus rings
- Lack of robust weather sealing and potential for internal dust accumulation
- Limited close-focusing capabilities
- Visible vignetting at the long end of the zoom on full-frame sensors
- Launch price $2,300 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6
- Mount & coverage Canon EF Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Filter thread 77mm
- Autofocus motor Ultrasonic
- Weight & size 1380g (3 lb 0.7 oz) · 92 x 189 mm (3.62 x 7.44 in)
Expert Reviews
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The wide focal length range and long max focal length combined with excellent image quality make the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens a highly versatile and a very popular lens.
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At the end of the day, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM gives one of the most even performances I've ever seen on a zoom lens.
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This is a great professional lens at what today is a steal of a price.
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[I]s clearly the winner when it comes to a combination of quality and convenience.
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Turn the image stabilization on again, and there you go, look at that, what a huge difference you get, and look at how sharp is that.
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The EF 100-400 is a bit long in the tooth, and that makes it somewhat harder to recommend over newer, sharper, lighter lenses like the 70-300L or the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM and a Canon teleconverter.
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Having said all this, let me reassure you that this lens is a bargain at its price. If you’ve had your eye on it, get it.
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