Canon EF 100-400mm Review

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is a top-tier telephoto zoom lens that sets the standard for versatility and performance in its class. Designed for Canon’s EF-mount DSLR cameras, this lens excels in wildlife, sports, and action photography, delivering exceptional sharpness, reliable autofocus, and a robust, professional-grade build. It’s one of the go-to lenses for photographers needing a long zoom range with the flexibility of a zoom lens.

Build and Design

The build quality of the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is outstanding, as expected from Canon’s L-series lenses. The lens features a rugged metal body with full weather sealing, making it resistant to dust and moisture—perfect for outdoor shoots in challenging environments. Despite its robust construction, it remains manageable in size and weight (1.57kg), striking a good balance between portability and durability.

Canon addressed a key complaint from its predecessor by replacing the push-pull zoom mechanism with a more conventional rotating zoom ring. The zoom action is smooth and precise, and the addition of a tension adjustment ring lets you customise the stiffness of the zoom for added control or to prevent zoom creep.

Optical Performance

Optical performance is where the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM truly shines. The lens delivers exceptional sharpness across its zoom range, with excellent detail and contrast even when shooting wide open. Canon incorporated one fluorite and one Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) element into the design, which helps to minimise chromatic aberration and colour fringing. The results are clear, vibrant images with excellent edge-to-edge sharpness.

Bokeh is smooth and pleasing, thanks to a rounded 9-blade aperture. While it’s not as creamy as what you’d get from a faster prime, the subject separation is still impressive, especially when shooting at longer focal lengths.

Autofocus and Image Stabilisation

The autofocus system uses Canon’s ring-type USM (Ultrasonic Motor), which is fast, accurate, and virtually silent. It pairs exceptionally well with Canon DSLRs for quick subject acquisition and reliable tracking, even in challenging conditions like low light or fast-moving subjects. This makes the lens a standout for action and wildlife photography.

The built-in 4-stop Image Stabilisation (IS) system is another strong feature, providing steady shots even at slower shutter speeds or when shooting handheld at 400mm. The IS system offers three modes:

1. Standard mode for general photography.
2. Panning mode for tracking subjects in motion.
3. Dynamic mode for irregular or erratic subject movement.

This versatility ensures you’re prepared for a wide variety of shooting scenarios.

Versatility

The 100-400mm focal length range is incredibly versatile. At 100mm, it’s suitable for tighter portraits and environmental shots, while 400mm allows you to capture distant subjects in stunning detail. For photographers who need even more reach, the lens is compatible with Canon’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, extending its focal range up to 800mm at the cost of some light and potential autofocus performance.

Drawbacks

The f/4.5-5.6 variable aperture is a limitation, especially for low-light shooting, where faster lenses offer an advantage. However, the combination of the image stabilisation and high ISO capabilities of modern DSLRs mitigates this issue for many users. The weight, while manageable, can be tiring for extended handheld use, and a monopod or tripod is often a welcome addition for longer shoots.

Conclusion

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is a superb lens for photographers who need a high-performing telephoto zoom. Its combination of sharp optics, excellent build quality, fast autofocus, and effective image stabilisation make it a versatile and reliable choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re shooting wildlife on safari, athletes on the field, or distant landscapes, this lens is a top contender in its category and a worthy investment for serious photographers.

Samples

Here are some recent photos I captured using the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens. These sample shots highlight the lens’s performance across different conditions, settings, and subjects. To view the complete collection of photos taken with this lens, the link.