The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS and the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II 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 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS is the longer of the two lenses at 197mm. The Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM with a length of 193mm, is 4mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM has a larger diameter of 94mm compared to the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS's 86mm 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 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS weighs 1135g, which means it is 455g (28%) lighter than the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM which has a weight of 1590g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II 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 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS has the Leica L lens mount whereas the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Leica SL3, Panasonic S5 II and Panasonic S5 II X for the Leica L Mount and Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV for the Canon EF Mount.
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS is also available in Sony E and Fujifilm X mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
100-400mm but while Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS has the fastest aperture of
F5-6.3, the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM's widest aperture value is
F4.5 - F5.6.