The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 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 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 182mm. The Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 with a length of 137mm, is 45mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6's 79mm 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. Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 weighs 1020g, 12% (140g) lighter than the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM's weight of 1160g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 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 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is also available in Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 100-400mm and
4.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
160 - 640mm.
On the other hand, the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 has a focal range of 80-400mm and 5.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 128 - 640mm.