Request a product

Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM vs Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonRF 400mm F2.8L IS USMCanonRF 600mm F11 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2021July 2020
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length400 mm600 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/11
Minimum aperturef/32f/11
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in thirteen groupsTen elements in seven groups
Special elementsTwo fluorite elements and one Super UD elementGapless dual-layer diffractive optical element
CoatingsSuper Spectra and ASC; fluorine coatings on front and rear elements–
Aperture detailMaximum f/2.8; minimum f/32Fixed f/11 aperture; cannot be stopped down
DiaphragmNine bladesNo aperture blades
Angle of viewFull-frame diagonal 6°10′–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R camerasCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras
Teleconverter supportCompatible with RF 1.4× and RF 2× extendersCompatible with RF extenders; 840 mm at f/16 with RF 1.4× or 1200 mm at f/22 with RF 2× (Cameralabs and Dustin Abbott). Autofocus performance depends on camera and light levels
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.5 m4.5 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.14×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with Power Doubled Focus Drive on compatible cameras; full-time manual overrideLead-screw STM autofocus; Canon Camera Museum states a focus area of 40% horizontal × 60% vertical for the original supported EOS R bodies
Focus distance detail2.5 m minimum focus; two stored focus presets and variable-speed manual focusingMinimum focus 4.5 m; full-range or 12 m–infinity focus limiter (Cameralabs and Dustin Abbott)
Magnification detail0.17× maximum magnificationMaximum 0.14×
Stabilisation detailCanon rates optical IS at 5.5 stops with EOS R or EOS R5 under CIPA yaw/pitch conditions; modes 1, 2 and 3Up to five stops optical stabilisation under CIPA testing with EOS R
Video featuresAperture control in 1/8-stop increments; power-focus mode for controlled focus transitions–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter52 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter163 mm93 mm
Length367 mm199.5 mm
Weight2,890 g930 g
ControlsFocus ring, playback ring, focus-preset controls and customisable lens-function buttons; no custom control ring (Cameralabs)Separate manual focus and customisable control rings; focus limiter, AF/MF and stabiliser switches
Zoom design–Prime lens with a retracting storage barrel; extend and lock the barrel before shooting
Filter detail52 mm drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII), supplied with a clear Protect filter; optional circular polariser and gelatin holder–
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction with heat-reflective white paintNo dust or moisture sealing, including no rubber mount seal (Cameralabs)
Dimensions detail163 mm maximum diameter × 367 mm length93 mm maximum diameter; 199.5 mm retracted length or 269.5 mm when extended for shooting
Weight detailApproximately 2,890 g lensApproximately 930 g lens
Tripod mountRotating built-in foot with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads; no Arca-Swiss dovetail (Cameralabs)Built-in tripod mounting thread; no rotating collar (Cameralabs)
Lens hoodET-155 (WIII) included; shorter ET-155B optionalET-88B hood sold separately (Dustin Abbott)
In the boxLens, RF dust cap, drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII) with 52 mm Protect filter, E-180E soft cap, ET-155 (WIII) hood, LS400 soft case, Lens Wide Strap B and user manualLens, E-82II cap, RF dust cap and user manual kit
Release detailJuly 2021 Japanese first release, confirmed retrospectively by Canon's March 2022 announcement and Camera MuseumJuly 2020 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

More comparisons