The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG and the Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x 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 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is the longer of the two lenses at 726mm. The Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x with a length of 366mm, is 360mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG also has a larger diameter of 237mm compared to the Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x's 128mm 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 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x weighs 3620g, 76% (12080g) lighter than the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG's weight of 15700g.
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 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x has a 52mm 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 Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG and the Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x 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 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is also available in Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a focal range of 200-500mm and
2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
320 - 800mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x has a focal range of 200-400mm and 2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 320 - 640mm.