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 an important deciding factor 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 as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer 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 Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
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 Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
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.