Home > Consumer Reviews > Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Super Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

The only non-image stabilized offering of the three 400mm lenses Canon has, produces excellent images. This is a good lens for wildlife photography, especially on a cropped sensor Canon, which makes this lens a 640mm equivalent. The built-in hood is a nice alternative to the plastic ones you have to put on yourself (and remember to carry with you!), but it does add to the weight a bit, if that's a consideration. Canon includes a tripod ring, another good move on Canon's part, saves you an accessory to buy separately. But the lack of IS is a bit of a limitation for me, as the size and weight of the lens makes handholding it a problem - hand shake blur is evident except for shots taken in the very brightest of conditions. If handholding the larger lenses causes you problems in general, you might want to consider springing for an image-stabilized alternative. Otherwise this lens is a strong performer and I've been happy with it.

I have been using the Canon 400mm f5.6L lens for well over a year now mainly for wildlife photography, and the lens was worth every penny I paid for it. Built tough, the image quality coming out of this lens is exceptional: sharp as a tack even at f5.6 with exceptional contrast and clarity. Relatively lightweight makes for an exceptional walk around lens, and in a good deal of conditions given its focal length and weight it can be handheld. A great lens for the price.

I've been using this lens for over 3 years....I also have the 70/200L f4 I/S...Image quality are identical...It will be difficult to find better image quality at any size or price...It's a gem handheld...I use it in many rookeries, shooting fast flying birds...I've seen image quality of larger L lenses, but none of them are better than this lens, "period."...If you're looking for extreme quality, great price, and great handheld shots even without I/S...don't hesitate...You'll be glad you made this purchase...Also...if anyone tells you that this lens if not one of the best L lens ever made...then you should tell them to return their lens because they obviously got a rare lemon....

I sold my Sigma 50-500mm, to buy this Lens, its very Light, and very sharp, and the focusing is incredible FAST, moreover its cheap, if you would like to start your wild life photography don't hesitate to buy this lens, its amazing lens for wild life photography.

I have been using the Canon 400mm f/5.6L for about a month and am very pleased with the image quality, especially with a tripod. I also love the built-in sunshade and the very fast focus. I have also been using the Canon 100-400 for wildlife photography, which I found I was nearly always using at 400. This is also a very good quality lens but is not as sharp at 400 as the 400 f/5.6L prime. The only thing I miss is not having IS for hand-held use.