This lens is in mint condition and includes a built-in hood, a detachable tripod mount & a UV filter.
The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM is a high-performance super-telephoto lens designed for professional and advanced amateur photographers. Known for its exceptional optical quality and robust construction, this lens is particularly popular for wildlife, sports, and aviation photography.
Design and Build
The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM features a durable and lightweight design, characteristic of Canon's L-series lenses. The lens barrel is constructed from high-quality materials, including metal and polycarbonate, ensuring both strength and portability. The lens has a sleek, white finish with a red ring near the front element, signifying its L-series status. It measures approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and 10.1 inches in length, and it weighs around 1,250 grams, making it relatively easy to handle for a lens of its focal length.
Optical Construction
The optical design of the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM includes 7 elements in 6 groups. This configuration incorporates one Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass element and one UD glass element, which help to minimize chromatic aberrations and ensure sharp, high-contrast images across the entire frame. The lens also features Canon's Super Spectra Coating, which reduces flare and ghosting, enhancing color fidelity and contrast.
Aperture and Depth of Field
The lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6, which allows for good low-light performance and the ability to create a shallow depth of field. The aperture is controlled by an 8-blade diaphragm, which produces a pleasing bokeh effect in out-of-focus areas. The minimum aperture is f/32, providing flexibility for achieving greater depth of field when needed.
Focusing
The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM is equipped with a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, providing a tactile and precise manual focusing experience. The lens features full-time manual focus, allowing photographers to make fine adjustments even when autofocus is engaged. The lens can focus as close as 3.5 meters (11.5 feet), which is relatively close for a super-telephoto lens, allowing for detailed close-up shots of distant subjects.
Image Quality
The image quality produced by the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM is outstanding. It delivers sharp, high-resolution images with excellent contrast and color fidelity. The lens performs exceptionally well even at its maximum aperture, with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion. The Super UD and UD elements, along with the advanced optical design, ensure that images remain sharp and detailed from the center to the edges of the frame.
Versatility
This lens is highly versatile, suitable for a wide range of photographic applications. Its 400mm focal length provides a narrow field of view, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects with great detail. The lens is particularly well-suited for wildlife, sports, and aviation photography, where the ability to isolate subjects and capture them from a distance is crucial.
Build Quality and Durability
The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM is built to withstand the rigors of professional use. Its robust construction and high-quality materials ensure longevity and reliability. The lens is designed to perform well in various environmental conditions, making it a dependable tool for professional photographers. It also features a built-in lens hood, which provides protection against flare and physical damage, and a removable tripod collar, which offers stability when shooting with a tripod or monopod.
Conclusion
The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM is a lens that combines exceptional optical performance with a solid and durable design. Its long focal length, fast and accurate autofocus, and outstanding image quality make it a favorite among professional photographers. Whether you're capturing wildlife, sports, or aviation, the 400mm f/5.6L USM is a superb choice for achieving stunning results.