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Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM vs Canon RF 75–300mm F4–5.6

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonRF 400mm F2.8L IS USMCanonRF 75–300mm F4–5.6
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2021May 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length400 mm75–300 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/32f/32–45
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in thirteen groupsThirteen elements in nine groups; Canon states the optical design is adapted from the EF 75–300mm F4–5.6 III
Special elementsTwo fluorite elements and one Super UD element–
CoatingsSuper Spectra and ASC; fluorine coatings on front and rear elementsSuper Spectra; no fluorine coating
Aperture detailMaximum f/2.8; minimum f/32Maximum f/4 at 75 mm and f/5.6 at 300 mm; minimum f/32 and f/45 respectively
DiaphragmNine bladesSeven blades
Angle of viewFull-frame diagonal 6°10′Full-frame diagonal 32°11′–8°15′; horizontal 27°–6°50′; vertical 18°11′–4°35′
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; 120–480 mm equivalent field of view on Canon APS-C
Teleconverter supportCompatible with RF 1.4× and RF 2× extendersNot compatible with RF extenders (The-Digital-Picture)
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.5 m1.5 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with Power Doubled Focus Drive on compatible cameras; full-time manual overrideDC motor autofocus; no full-time manual focus override (Digital Camera World)
Focus distance detail2.5 m minimum focus; two stored focus presets and variable-speed manual focusing1.5 m minimum focus; front element and focus ring rotate during focusing (Digital Camera World and The-Digital-Picture)
Magnification detail0.17× maximum magnification0.06× at 75 mm and 0.25× at 300 mm
Stabilisation detailCanon rates optical IS at 5.5 stops with EOS R or EOS R5 under CIPA yaw/pitch conditions; modes 1, 2 and 3No lens optical stabilisation
Video featuresAperture control in 1/8-stop increments; power-focus mode for controlled focus transitionsSubstantial focus breathing in The-Digital-Picture's test
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter52 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter163 mm71.2 mm
Length367 mm146.1 mm
Weight2,890 g507 g
ControlsFocus ring, playback ring, focus-preset controls and customisable lens-function buttons; no custom control ring (Cameralabs)Manual focus and zoom rings, AF/MF switch; no custom control ring (The-Digital-Picture)
Zoom design–Extending zoom barrel; further extension and front rotation during focusing (Digital Camera World)
Filter detail52 mm drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII), supplied with a clear Protect filter; optional circular polariser and gelatin holder58 mm front thread rotates during focusing
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction with heat-reflective white paintCanon UK's table lists dust/moisture resistance, but Digital Camera World and The-Digital-Picture both report no weather sealing
Dimensions detail163 mm maximum diameter × 367 mm length71.2 mm maximum diameter × 146.1 mm retracted length
Weight detailApproximately 2,890 g lensApproximately 507 g lens
Tripod mountRotating built-in foot with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads; no Arca-Swiss dovetail (Cameralabs)–
Lens hoodET-155 (WIII) included; shorter ET-155B optionalOptional ET-60 hood, not included
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-58 II lens cap, RF dust cap and user manual
Release detailJuly 2021 Japanese first release, confirmed retrospectively by Canon's March 2022 announcement and Camera MuseumMay 2025 release confirmed retrospectively by Canon's February 2026 press release and Canon Camera Museum

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