The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM and the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II 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 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is the longer of the two lenses at 184mm. The Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM with a length of 176mm, is 8mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II also has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM's 80mm 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 EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM weighs 780g, which means it is 610g (43%) lighter than the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II which has a weight of 1390g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has a 77mm 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 Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM and the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K.
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is also available in Four Thirds , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
70-200mm but while Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM has the fastest aperture of
F4, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II's widest aperture value is
F2.8.
