The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM and the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport 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. Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 387mm. The Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport with a length of 380mm, is 7mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 146mm compared to the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport's 145mm 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. Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport weighs 3310g, 14% (560g) lighter than the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM's weight of 3870g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM has a filter size of 52mm whereas the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport has a 46mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM:
And these are the 46mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM and the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport 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 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport is also available in Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
500mm and the fastest aperture of
F4.0.