The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C and the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 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 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C is the longer of the two lenses at 290mm. The Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 with a length of 137mm, is 153mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C also has a larger diameter of 121mm compared to the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6's 79mm 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. Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 weighs 1020g, 47% (910g) lighter than the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C's weight of 1930g.
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 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C has a filter size of 95mm whereas the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 95mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C and the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 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 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Sigma SA and Sony Alpha mounts.
Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C has a focal range of 150-600mm and
4.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
240 - 960mm.
On the other hand, the Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 has a focal range of 80-400mm and 5.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 128 - 640mm.