Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM vs Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 100-300mm, the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 400mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM for super-telephoto, the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM for super-telephoto.
Choose the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 100mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 400mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 2590g (5.71 lb) it's lighter than the 3450g (7.61 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 300mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 400mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 100-300mm, Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 400mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is a zoom (flexible framing), the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is $9,499, $2,500 under the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 2590g (5.71 lb) vs 3450g (7.61 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM or the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 100-300mm, the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 400mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM for super-telephoto, the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM if you shoot wide — it starts at 100mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 400mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 2590g (5.71 lb) it's lighter than the 3450g (7.61 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 300mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 400mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM and the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM?
Focal range: Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 100-300mm, Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 400mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-300mm | 400mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 23 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 18 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° – 8° | 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Dual Nano USM | Dual Nano USM |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 180 cm | 250 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.16x | 0.18x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $9,499 | $11,999 |
| Filter Size | 112mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 128mm | 163mm |
| Length | 329.9mm | 343mm |
| Weight | 2590g (5.71 lb) | 3450g (7.61 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
