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 DG OS HSM and the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L 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 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 189mm. The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM with a length of 182mm, is 7mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 92mm compared to the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM'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 DG OS HSM weighs 1160g, which means it is 220g (15%) lighter than the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM which has a weight of 1380g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS 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 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L 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 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is also available in Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
100-400mm but while Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM has the fastest aperture of
F5-6.3, the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM's widest aperture value is
F4.5 - F5.6.