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 400mm f2.8L 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 400mm f2.8L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 349mm. The Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM with a length of 219mm, is 130mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 400mm f2.8L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 163mm compared to the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM's 104mm 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 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM weighs 1970g, which means it is 3400g (63%) lighter than the Canon 400mm f2.8L IS USM which has a weight of 5370g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 95mm whereas the Canon 400mm f2.8L IS 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 95mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 400mm f2.8L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the Canon 400mm f2.8L IS 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 400mm f2.8L IS 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.
