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 70-200mm f4L 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 70-200mm f4L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 172mm. The Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM with a length of 102mm, is 70mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 76mm compared to the Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM's 74mm 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 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM weighs 420g, which means it is 340g (44%) lighter than the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM which has a weight of 760g.
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 70-200mm f4L IS USM has a 67mm 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 67mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM and the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS 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 the 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 70-200mm f4L IS 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.
