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 500mm f4.0L 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. Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 387mm. The Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM with a length of 350mm, is 37mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 146mm 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. Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM weighs 3150g, which means it is 720g (18%) lighter than the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM which has a 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 Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Canon 500mm f4.0L 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 500mm f4.0L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM and the Canon 500mm f4.0L 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
Both lenses have the same focal range of
500mm but while Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has the fastest aperture of
F4.5, the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM's widest aperture value is
F4.0.