Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM vs Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 400mm, the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM is 600mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM for super-telephoto, the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM for super-telephoto.
Choose the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 400mm vs 600mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Choose the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 600mm vs 400mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM opens to f/2.8 vs the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 400mm, Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM is 600mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM is $11,999, $1,000 under the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM is 3090g (6.81 lb) vs 3450g (7.61 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM or the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 400mm, the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM is 600mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM for super-telephoto, the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM for super-telephoto.
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 want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 400mm vs 600mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Who should choose the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM if you need more reach — it goes to 600mm vs 400mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM and the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM?
Aperture: the Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM opens to f/2.8 vs the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 400mm | 600mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 6° | 4° |
| 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 | 250 cm | 400 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.18x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $11,999 | $12,999 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 163mm | 168mm |
| Length | 343mm | 449mm |
| Weight | 3450g (7.61 lb) | 3090g (6.81 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
