The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM and the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM 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 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 350mm. The Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM with a length of 233mm, is 117mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM has a larger diameter of 128mm compared to the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM's 123mm 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 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM weighs 1940g, 38% (1210g) lighter than the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM's weight of 3150g.
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 Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM 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 46mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM and the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM 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 F4.5 EX DG HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Pentax KAF and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
800mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 400mm f4.0 DO IS USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 400mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 640mm.