The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM and the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L 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 16-35mm f2.8L USM is the longer of the two lenses at 103mm. The Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM with a length of 88mm, is 15mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM's 84mm 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 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM weighs 520g, which means it is 80g (13%) lighter than the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM which has a weight of 600g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Ultra-Wideangle Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM 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 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM and the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3.
Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM is also available in Pentax KAF3 , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (DX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM has a focal range of 10-20mm and
2.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
16-32mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L USM has a focal range of 16-35mm and 2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 25.6 - 56mm.