The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM and the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 204mm. The Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM with a length of 187mm, is 17mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 95mm compared to the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM's 83mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM weighs 1090g, which means it is 550g (33%) lighter than the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM which has a weight of 1640g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Macro Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Macro Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a 86mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM:
And these are the 86mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM and the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Sigma SA and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
180mm but while Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM has the fastest aperture of
F3.5, the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM's widest aperture value is
F2.8.