Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM EF Mount Lens {77} with Kirk LP-61 Tripod Foot

Canon's proven 100-400mm L zoom, built for working wildlife shooters.

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM has been a go-to telephoto zoom for over a decade, and its reputation holds for good reason. The zoom range runs 100-400mm with a variable maximum aperture of f/4.5 at the wide end, giving you real reach without the bulk of a fixed super-telephoto. The IS II image stabilization system is a meaningful asset when you're shooting handheld at 400mm and light is dropping fast. USM autofocus keeps acquisition quick and quiet, which matters when your subject isn't staying still.

The 77mm filter thread is a standard size across much of Canon's L lineup, so your existing circular polarizers and ND filters transfer over without adapters. The included Kirk LP-61 tripod foot is a practical upgrade over the factory collar, already fitted for Arca-Swiss compatible heads. Native to Canon EOS Digital and EOS Film bodies, this lens also adapts to Canon RF, Sony E, Nikon Z, Fuji X, and L-Mount systems via third-party adapters, which extends its usefulness well beyond Canon DSLR shooters.

At this focal range and build quality, few lenses have logged more hours at the sideline, the blind, and the safari vehicle. It earns its place in serious kits.

Who It's For

Wildlife photographers working at distance will find the 400mm reach and IS II stabilization essential for handheld shots of unpredictable subjects. Sports shooters covering outdoor events benefit from the fast USM focus response across the full zoom range. Birders who need to switch between perched and in-flight subjects quickly will appreciate how the zoom handles both distances without swapping glass. Travel photographers on Canon EOS bodies who want one lens to cover everything from 100mm environmental portraits to 400mm compressed landscapes get genuine utility here.

Key Features

• 100-400mm telephoto zoom with variable f/4.5-f/5.6 aperture
• IS II image stabilization for handheld 400mm shooting
• USM autofocus for fast, silent focusing
• Canon EF mount with third-party mirrorless adapters supported
• 77mm filter thread compatible with standard circular polarizers and NDs
• Includes Kirk LP-61 Arca-Swiss tripod foot
• L-series build quality for professional field use

FAQ

What aperture does this lens actually give you at 400mm?

f/5.6. The f/4.5 maximum is only at 100mm; aperture narrows as you zoom out, which is typical for this class of variable-aperture telephoto.

Is the Kirk tripod foot removable?

Yes. The Kirk LP-61 is a detachable Arca-Swiss compatible collar, so you can swap it off or onto other Canon L telephotos that share the same foot interface.

How much does IS II actually help at 400mm handheld?

Meaningful difference in low light. You'll reliably hand-hold at 400mm in golden hour and overcast conditions where you'd otherwise need a shutter speed you can't achieve without pushing ISO hard.

Can I use this on mirrorless cameras?

Yes, via third-party EF-to-RF, EF-to-E, EF-to-Z, EF-to-X, or EF-to-L adapters. Performance is identical to Canon DSLR use; autofocus speed depends on the adapter quality.

Will my existing 77mm filters work?

All of them. Circular polarizers, NDs, UV protectors-anything threaded 77mm fits without adapters.

How does this compare to a fixed 400mm telephoto?

You get 4x zoom flexibility and roughly half the weight and length. The trade is variable aperture and slightly lower corner sharpness, but for field work where you need range and aren't glued to one focal length, the zoom wins.

Is this lens still used professionally?

Yes. Over a decade in, it's proven its durability at sports events, wildlife assignments, and nature shoots. It's not the newest option, but it's reliable.