The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM and the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L 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 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 271mm. The Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM with a length of 199mm, is 72mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 113mm compared to the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM's 89mm 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 f2.8L IS II USM weighs 1490g, 42% (1110g) lighter than the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM's weight of 2600g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 105mm whereas the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L 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 105mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM has the Sigma SA lens mount whereas the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill for the Sigma SA Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM is also available in the Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM has a focal range of 120-300mm and
2.5X zoom ratio .
On the other hand, the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 112 - 320mm.
