Used Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Super Telephoto Lens

2023-08-26T01:56:48

I'm fairly new to the world of photography with my interest centering around macro. But this lens has totally changed everything. And since the weather is so nice I thought I'd try outdoor photography as the summers bring the animals to life and the sporting programs beginning in schools. So I thought why not expand my equipment and add one of the best lenses for those 2 types of photography. I had no idea the possibilities that the world of lenses created. I am thrilled that I opened my budget to include this lens. I can no longer see using any otherr lens for the purposes stated above. In this instance you certainly get what you pay for.

Julie S.

2023-01-18T19:00:00

I bought this lens used and it far surpasses my expectations. It is as close to perfect in terms of resolution and color as you can get. Using it wide open produces phenomenal images and the same is true when coupled with the 1.4x and 2x tele extenders. Much easier to carry than my old 500mm f4.

boxoutsider

Originally posted at

2022-02-14T19:00:00

I use this with an R5 and R6 and the results are spectacular. I can't say a bad thing about this beauty of a lens. you can check out some of the images on my instagram @picsaroundnyc

Eric J.

Originally posted at

2020-01-16T19:00:00

I have owned the EF 300 2.8 IS and EF 400 2.8 IS and can confidently say that the EF 400 4.0 DO II is a better choice because of its small size and weight. It is a very sharp lens. I use this lens for wildlife and sports photography. This lens can be used handheld which is a big asset. And with more recent camera bodies performing spectacularly well at high ISO, I don't miss the 2.8 aperture of its larger siblings. I took this lens to Kenya and it performed spectacularly well on 5DIV and 5DsR bodies. It is incredibly sharp wide open, with superb contrast and bokeh. It also handshakes very well with the EF 1.4x III extender. It travels well because of its weight. At roughly 60% the price of the EF 400 2.8 IS III, this should be the better choice for most shooters except those that require 1% more performance for substantially more dollars. At first I was hesitant to own a DO lens but I am 100% pleased with my decision and have zero reservations whatsoever.

Ben S.

Originally posted at

2020-01-06T12:24:36

I use this with a 5D Mark III and IV, and image quality is awesome. It is markedly sharper than a 100-400. The auto-focus is fast. There 3 auto-focus settings based on the distance of the object, so selecting the right one can speed up the autofocus time. The lens is easily packed for the overhead bin or in a lens backpack that I use. As for weight, I can handhold for some amount of time, but recommend a tripod, of course. My only complaint is the lens hood is very long, but it inverts for packing.

Barry C.

2019-05-23T20:00:00

Purchased this lens to replace my EF300mm F2.8LIS and my EF500mm F4IS. Wanted to go lighter and this lens was right in the middle of the 2 focal lengths and saved me a ton of weight. Optically I think this lens is right there with my 300mm and sharper than my 500mm. Sharp with excellent contrast along with very good background rendition. It takes the 1.4 and 2X teleconverters and remains very sharp and still focuses quite well. I have nothing but praise for the lens.

DRF

Originally posted at

2019-05-07T20:00:00

I bought this to use in Vietnam along with my 600mm lens to photograph Red shanked Douc langurs and both my lenses performed superbly , I used my 1dx mark II and also a Sony A9 , the lens works very well with the Sony I hope you can make a mirror less camera to challenge the Sony A9 . The lens is amazing , very light and very high quality , wish I had bought this lens when it first came out , as I age I know I will take this lens over my 600mm because of the weight , I couldn’t find my 2x converter so haven’t tested it with converters yet , but I hear good things about people who did. I used the old DO lens in the past and this is much better quality optics, I look forward to see more DO products in the future , I considered buying the 400mm 2.8 version 2 as I could get a second hand one for a few hundred dollars more than I paid for this, but I stuck with this one because of the weight savings. So glad I did even though I am sure the latter is a better lens for image quality , however I am very satisfied with the image quality from this lens. Now I am wishing you could make a 600mm with your DO technology

Martin007

Originally posted at

2019-04-17T20:00:00

Would prefer a f3.5 version of the DO lens. Because of price, plus size and weight, It would soon become the most popular telephoto for wildlife, just as it was for many years with Nikon. You wouldn't think a half a stop would make much of a difference, but it greatly reduces the size when compared to the f2.8, plus the sharpness and low light capability and versatility would be improved over the f4. With the emphasis on making tele lenses lighter, yet more shock resistant, it is also convenient for backcountry and air travel. Adding a 1.4x teleconverter to the f3.5 lens is a convenient combination for doing wildlife, yet the speed of the lens is still very reasonable to work with in subdued light. Canon, please bring back a smaller, lighter version of this classic and very popular f3.5 lens!

PKM

Originally posted at

2019-03-24T08:47:34

Great lens. Lightweight, compact, easy for a woman to handhold.Excellent image quality and fast focus, even with a 1.4 extender. Used mostly with a Canon 5d mark 1V.Outstanding for birds in flight.

FAYE B.

2018-08-26T20:00:00

I purchased the Canon 400 mm DO IS II due to it's smaller size and light weight being an advantage for hand held in-flight shots, its 560 MM @ f 5.6 capability and travel friendly size.

Tony p.

Originally posted at

2017-11-17T12:17:55

This lens has produced my sharpest photos yet. Thought my Canon 100-400mm II couldn't be beat photographing eagles, with a hand held lens, but it has. Even handles the 1.4x TC, have yet to try the 2.0x TC, but have seen good reviews.

BILL C.

2017-10-22T20:00:00

I purchased this lens over a year ago. Extremely satisfied with the results. The overall performance of this lens is in line with its MTF charts - superb! The portability of this lens is second to none. It did not disappoint.

Franks909

Originally posted at

2017-10-18T20:00:00

Superb sharpness even with Mk III 2X extender. Works great with mono-pod for fast paced sports. If it wasn't for the price, I would have bought it long ago.

mhansen2

Originally posted at

2017-03-23T14:29:58

Great lens. Very sharp and light My wife loves it also so I may not get to use it much.

PHILIP J.

2017-02-20T10:53:29

strictly used for bird watching - no camera can get close enough for bird watching so I added a 1.4 extender to my 400 mm lens giving me a 560 mm lens - I live in Massachusetts and it is very cold now and I cannot give you a total evaluation but will proceed with a preliminary review - I handhold most of my picturetaking and canon has a powerful image stabilizer that is awesome - I can shoot at a shutter speed of 2000 with amazing results nearly eliminating camera shake - looking forward to spring migration and warmer weather to complete a full evaluation

HENRY Z.

2017-02-07T07:56:15

This lens is relatively light making it enjoyable to take when hiking. It is also very easy to hand-hold for birds in flight.

WAYNE D.

2017-01-09T09:50:59

Great lens. I moved up from the 300L F/4 and it's a different world. I use it for birding primarily and it has proved to work great alone and with extenders. Light weight for a 400mm lense. Easy to use hand held.

GARY B.

2016-11-29T19:00:00

My company rented this lens for me for the Breeders' Cup. This lens hit it out of the ball park. Light weight, no distortion, amazing photos! Plan to put this on my wish list

Gillyzmama

Originally posted at

2016-08-03T20:00:00

My company specializes in high altitude photography we recently replaced our legacy lenses with this masterpiece of optical engineering. If you are hand holding a lens longer than 200mm this is the only lens you will ever need. Its compact DO design is ideal for action photography. With little to no chromatic aberrations, this large aperture lens offers all of the perks of the modern Canon Super Telephoto Lens with none of the draw backs of size and weight. At home in your hand or on a tripod this lens will lens will make your old 400mm f/5.6 nothing more than a paper weight. If you have concerns about its DO design based on a previous Canon product that was received poorly, abandon your doubts, This lens is the real deal and will push you over the top. Able to full resolve a 5.5um pixel pitch it is fast, light, and creates stunning images.

Philip

Originally posted at

2015-03-30T21:00:00

Just received this from Adorama, great service by the way and thanks1! Haven't had a chance to use it yet in anger, but initial tests on a 1 Dx and 7D2 indicate that my 300 f 2.8 L IS mk2 may not see much use in future, this lens seems to be sharp as a pin, even with 1.4 and 2x mk3 extenders, and the af is still excellent!! All that I hoped it would be, I had the mk1 but the IS on this is much improved. Flare?...well as i said, haven't done too much shooting yet, but again, Canon seemed to have improved this aspect. If you are on the fence, push the button!! Again thanks to Adorama!

George R.