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

Canon's 100-400mm L telezoom with proven optical pedigree

The second-generation 100-400mm sits at the core of Canon's EF telephoto lineup for good reason. Its optical formula pairs a fluorite element with a Super UD element, a combination that cuts chromatic aberration across the full zoom range and keeps contrast consistent at 400mm where lesser designs fall apart. Air Sphere Coating on internal elements keeps flare in check when shooting into backlit scenes, and fluorine coating on both the front and rear surfaces resists smearing from rain, dust, and fingerprints during field work.

The IS II system delivers up to 4 stops of shake correction across three modes, including a dedicated panning mode for tracking subjects across the frame. Autofocus runs through a USM-driven inner focusing mechanism that closes to 3.2 ft., giving this lens a 0.31x maximum magnification that most telephoto zooms can't match at this focal length. The rotation-type zoom ring replaced the push-pull design of its predecessor and includes adjustable torque, so shooters can dial in resistance to match how they work. A 9-blade aperture produces smooth out-of-focus rendering in backgrounds.

At 77mm filter thread, it accepts widely available circular polarizers and graduated NDs. The redesigned tripod collar detaches without removing the lens from the body, and the lens hood includes a side window for filter adjustments in the field. For Canon EF users, this is a lens you reach for when focal length and optical quality both matter.

Who It's For

Wildlife photographers working from a distance will use the 400mm reach and 4-stop IS to pull sharp frames from moving subjects in low contrast light. Sports shooters tracking erratic motion benefit from the USM autofocus speed and panning IS mode. Travel photographers who want one lens covering 100-400mm on full-frame bodies will find the 3.2 ft. minimum focus distance useful for closer environmental shots. Canon RF and Sony E users can run this glass through mount adapters, extending its useful life across mirrorless systems.

Key Features

• 100-400mm focal range with f/4.5-5.6 aperture on full-frame Canon EF mount
• Fluorite and Super UD optical elements for reduced chromatic aberration
• Air Sphere Coating and fluorine surfaces resist flare and environmental smudging
• 4-stop Image Stabilization with panning and exposure-only modes
• 3.2 ft minimum focus distance with 0.31x magnification
• Rotation zoom ring with adjustable torque for customizable feel
• 9-blade aperture for smooth background rendering
• Detachable tripod collar and hood with filter adjustment window

FAQ

What makes the fluorite and Super UD elements worth the price over a standard telephoto zoom?

Fluorite cuts chromatic aberration across the full zoom range, and the Super UD element keeps contrast locked at 400mm where cheaper designs lose sharpness. That combination matters most when you're shooting wildlife or sports at the long end where flare and color fringing kill keeper rates.

How much shake correction does the IS II system actually give you?

Up to 4 stops across three modes: standard tracking, panning for moving subjects, and exposure-only for tripod work. The panning mode is the one you'll use most in the field when tracking action across the frame.

Can you use filters on this lens without removing the hood?

Yes. The redesigned hood includes a side window so you can adjust circular polarizers or graduated NDs without taking it off, which saves time when light conditions change fast.

What's the closest focus distance, and does it matter for wildlife work?

3.2 feet with 0.31x magnification. That's close enough to fill the frame with small subjects at 400mm, which most telephoto zooms can't do, but you're not getting macro-level closeups.

Is the zoom ring better than the push-pull design on the original?

The rotation design is smoother and lets you dial in resistance to match your hand. Push-pull zooms accidentally extend when you're carrying the lens or working in cramped spaces, so the rotation ring solves that annoying problem.

How does the tripod collar work if you need to remove it?

It detaches without unscrewing the lens from the camera body, so you can swap it to a different Canon body or take it off entirely for handheld work without fumbling.