Canon RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM
Announced April 14, 2021
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Masterpiece
The Canon RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM provides elite optical performance and rapid, precise autofocus for professional sports and wildlife photography. While it delivers spectacular image quality and robust build standards, it commands a very high price and lacks some modern conveniences like a customizable control ring.
Weighted from 5 reviewer scores
Pros
- Wide f/2.8 aperture with smooth background blur
- Exceptional image sharpness and contrast
- Fast and accurate autofocus performance
- Durable build quality with teleconverter compatibility
- Effective optical image stabilization
Cons
- Very high financial cost
- Large and heavy physical design
- Lacks a customizable control ring
- Missing integrated Arca Swiss mount and front filter support
- Limited functional improvements over the previous EF version
- Launch price $11,999 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 400mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Canon RF Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS, 5.5 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus (0.17x)
- Filter thread 52mm
- Autofocus motor Ring-type ultrasonic
- Weight & size 2890g (6 lb 5.9 oz) · 163 x 367 mm (6.42 x 14.45 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 5 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The Canon RF 400mm f2.8 and RF 600mm f4 are not just super-telephotos in every sense of the term, but clearly make the statement EOS R is ready for pro sports and wildlife photography.
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The elite Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM is an absolutely no-compromise, professional-grade, ultra-high-performance lens that delivers stunning, standout imagery. This lens is the ultimate choice for action sports and often the best option for wildlife.
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I've tested over 400 camera lenses on this channel, and this has been by far my favorite. It is simply the perfect lens, and there's no way I could possibly fault it.
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The Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM is a spectacular lens for action, sports and wildlife photography. It’s super-pricey but you get what you pay for and I love the combination of super-telephoto focal length and fast f/2.8 aperture, with sublime performance and image quality.
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The Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM is an excellent lens, but there are hardly any reasons to choose this lens over the EF version.
