The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS 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 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 219mm. The Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM with a length of 193mm, is 26mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 104mm compared to the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM's 94mm 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 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM weighs 1590g, 19% (380g) lighter than the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM's weight of 1970g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the SuperZoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 95mm whereas the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II 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 95mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II 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 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM is also available in the Pentax KAF3 , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 50-500mm and
10.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
80 - 800mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM has a focal range of 100-400mm 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 160 - 640mm.
