The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM and the Canon 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 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 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 102mm. The Canon 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 II USM with a length of 97mm, is 5mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 74mm compared to the Canon 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 II USM's 70mm 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 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 II USM weighs 310g, 26% (110g) lighter than the Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM's weight of 420g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Canon 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 II 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 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 II USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM and the Canon 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 II USM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3.
Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM is also available in Pentax KAF3 , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (DX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM has a focal range of 50-200mm and
4.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
80-320mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Canon 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 II USM has a focal range of 55-200mm and 3.6X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 88 - 320mm.