The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM and the Canon 500mm f4.0L 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 500mm f4.0L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 387mm. The Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM with a length of 203mm, is 184mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 146mm compared to the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM's 92mm 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 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM weighs 1640g, which means it is 2230g (57%) lighter than the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM which has a weight of 3870g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM and the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K.
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM is also available in the Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 120-400mm and
3.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
192 - 640mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 800mm.
