Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Super Telephoto Lens User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper use, setup, and maintenance of your Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Super Telephoto Lens. Designed for Canon SLR cameras, this high-performance lens features a compact design for portability and ease of handling. It incorporates Super UD-glass and UD-glass elements to ensure sharp image quality from edge to edge. The lens also includes a built-in lens hood and a detachable tripod mount for enhanced versatility.

2. Product Overview

2.1 Key Features

• Lens Construction: 7 elements in 6 groups, optimized for optical performance.
• Diagonal Angle of View: 6° 10', suitable for distant subjects.
• Special Glass Elements: Features Fluorite and Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass for superior image quality and reduced chromatic aberration.
• Internal Focusing: Maintains constant lens length during focusing.
• Full-time Manual Focus: Allows manual focus adjustment even in autofocus mode.
• Closest Focusing Distance: 3.5 meters (11.5 feet).
• Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 400mm at f/5.6.
• Filter Size: 77mm.

2.2 Lens Components

Familiarize yourself with the various parts of your lens:

Figure 1: Angled view of the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens, showcasing its overall design, built-in hood, and tripod collar.

Figure 2: Top-down view of the lens, highlighting the focus distance scale, AF/MF switch, and focus limiter switch.

Figure 3: The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens displayed next to its dedicated soft carrying case.

3. Setup

3.1 Mounting the Lens

1. Ensure your camera is powered off.
2. Align the red index mark on the lens with the red index mark on your Canon SLR camera body.
3. Rotate the lens clockwise until it clicks securely into place.
4. To detach, press the lens release button on the camera body and rotate the lens counter-clockwise.

3.2 Attaching Accessories

The lens comes with a detachable tripod mount collar. To attach or detach:

1. Loosen the locking knob on the tripod collar.
2. Open the collar and position it around the lens barrel.
3. Close the collar and tighten the locking knob until secure.
4. Ensure the lens is balanced when mounted on a tripod.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Focusing

• Autofocus (AF): Set the AF/MF switch on the lens to 'AF'. The lens will automatically focus when the camera's shutter button is half-pressed.
• Manual Focus (MF): Set the AF/MF switch to 'MF'. Rotate the focusing ring on the lens to adjust focus manually. This lens supports full-time manual focus, allowing fine adjustments even in AF mode by simply turning the focusing ring.
• Focus Limiter: The lens features a focus limiter switch. Use this to restrict the autofocus range, which can speed up focusing when subjects are known to be within a specific distance. The available settings are typically 'FULL' (3.5m to infinity) and '8.5m - ∞' (8.5 meters to infinity).

4.2 Aperture Control

The maximum aperture of this lens is f/5.6. Aperture settings are controlled via your camera body. Refer to your camera's instruction manual for details on adjusting aperture (Av mode or Manual mode).

4.3 Using the Built-in Lens Hood

The lens features a built-in retractable lens hood. To extend the hood, pull it forward until it locks into place. To retract, push it back towards the lens barrel. The hood helps to prevent stray light from entering the lens, reducing flare and ghosting, and also offers some physical protection to the front element.

4.4 Utilizing the Detachable Tripod Mount

For stable shooting, especially with longer shutter speeds or when using the lens for extended periods, attach the tripod mount collar to a tripod or monopod. This balances the camera and lens system, reducing strain on the camera's lens mount and improving stability.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning the Lens

• Lens Elements: Use a lens blower brush to remove dust. For smudges or fingerprints, use a clean, soft lens cloth with a small amount of lens cleaning fluid. Wipe gently in a circular motion from the center outwards.
• Lens Body: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use organic solvents to clean the lens body.
• Avoid touching the lens elements directly with your fingers.

5.2 Storage

• Attach the front and rear lens caps when not in use.
• Store the lens in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
• If storing for an extended period, place it in an airtight container with a desiccant to prevent mold and mildew.

6. Troubleshooting

• Lens not focusing: Ensure the AF/MF switch is set to 'AF'. Check that the focus limiter is not set to a range that excludes your subject. Verify the lens is securely mounted to the camera.
• Images are blurry: Check for smudges on the front or rear lens elements. Ensure the shutter speed is appropriate for the focal length to avoid camera shake, especially when hand-holding. Consider using a tripod.
• Lens not recognized by camera: Power off the camera, detach and reattach the lens, ensuring it clicks into place. Clean the electrical contacts on both the lens and camera body with a clean, dry cloth.
• Unusual noises during operation: If the lens makes unusual grinding or clicking noises, cease operation immediately and contact Canon service.

7. Technical Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty coverage, service, and technical support for your Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Super Telephoto Lens, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Canon website. You may also contact Canon customer service directly for assistance.