First Looks at Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens Image Quality

Image quality results have been added to the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens review page.

You are going to like what you see – this lens does not disappoint in this test. Here are some comparisons:

Canon 400mm DO IS II compared to the 400mm DO IS (version I)

Note the significant contrast improvement over the original 400 DO. The blacks are obviously darker. The difference in sharpness remains clear even at f/5.6. The II's reduction in CA is also worth mentioning as is the with-extender performance.

Canon 400mm DO IS II compared to the 400mm f/2.8L IS II

Both lenses in this comparison are initially set to wide open apertures. I give the f/2.8 version a slight advantage in this comparison, but keeping perspective, we are comparing the DO II to an amazing lens. At f/4, the f/2.8 L IS II, assisted by some vignetting clearing, shows a slightly bigger advantage. Good luck finding a sharpness difference at f/5.6.

Canon 400mm DO IS II compared to the 400mm f/5.6L (initially set to both lenses wide open)

Canon 400mm DO IS II compared to the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II (initially set to both lenses wide open)

B&H has the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens available for preorder.