The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG and the Canon 400mm f5.6L 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 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is the longer of the two lenses at 726mm. The Canon 400mm f5.6L USM with a length of 257mm, is 469mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG also has a larger diameter of 237mm compared to the Canon 400mm f5.6L USM's 90mm 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 400mm f5.6L USM weighs 1250g, 92% (14450g) lighter than the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG's weight of 15700g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Canon 400mm f5.6L 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 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 400mm f5.6L USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG and the Canon 400mm f5.6L 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 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is also available in the Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a focal range of 200-500mm and
2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
320 - 800mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 400mm f5.6L USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 400mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 640mm.
