Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L II

Our thoughts

"The Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II is one of the most versatile long telephoto zooms ever made — sharp, rugged, and beautifully engineered. It delivers professional reach and image quality in a manageable package, making it a favourite for wildlife, sports, and travel photographers alike."

- Will, Founder

Product description

Rent the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II for professional-grade reach, stabilisation, and clarity. This long-awaited update to the original 100-400mm L lens brings a complete optical redesign, smoother handling, and sharper performance throughout the zoom range. With faster autofocus, improved stabilisation, and superior weather sealing, it’s the ultimate all-purpose telephoto zoom for Canon shooters.

The Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II features a modern 16-group, 21-element optical formula, including one fluorite and one Super UD element to control chromatic aberration and ensure edge-to-edge sharpness. Canon’s Air Sphere Coating reduces flare and ghosting, while fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements resist dust, moisture, and fingerprints. A new rotational zoom replaces the old push-pull design, providing smoother, more precise control with adjustable tension.

Key features

• 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6 L-series zoom for Canon EF-mount cameras

• Advanced optical design with fluorite and Super UD elements for excellent clarity

• 4-stop, 3-mode Image Stabilisation for static, panning, and exposure-only modes

• Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast, near-silent autofocus

• Rotational zoom design with adjustable tension for precise handling

• Minimum focus distance of 3.2 ft with 0.31x magnification for close-up capability

• Weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body for professional durability

• Fluorine and Air Sphere coatings to reduce flare, ghosting, and smudges

Performance & operation

The Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II delivers superb sharpness and contrast throughout its zoom range, maintaining detail even at 400mm. The upgraded image stabilisation system offers four stops of correction and three selectable modes — standard, panning, and exposure-only — allowing steady handheld shots whether tracking fast-moving subjects or shooting in low light. The near-silent USM autofocus system is fast and reliable, with a minimum focusing distance of just 3.2 feet, making it ideal for close wildlife and action photography.

Handling has been significantly improved with the new rotational zoom mechanism and adjustable tension ring, giving you smooth, responsive control in the field. The weather-sealed magnesium-alloy build, detachable tripod foot, and redesigned hood with a filter adjustment window make it practical for professionals working in all conditions. Despite its extended reach, it remains compact enough for travel and handheld use — offering exceptional versatility for both stills and video.

Why rent the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II?

The Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II strikes the perfect balance between portability, reach, and image quality. It’s ideal for wildlife, aviation, sports, and outdoor photography, delivering stunning results without the bulk of a fixed supertelephoto. Its improved stabilisation, quick autofocus, and durable build make it a reliable choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re photographing distant wildlife or capturing fast action, this lens provides the versatility to adapt instantly while maintaining crisp, clean results. Its combination of reach, image quality, and handling make it one of Canon’s most beloved telephoto zooms.

Rent the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II from Canada Camera Rentals and enjoy professional reach and sharpness in a compact, rugged design.