The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM and the Canon 300mm f4.0L 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. Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 350mm. The Canon 300mm f4.0L IS USM with a length of 221mm, is 129mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 123mm compared to the Canon 300mm f4.0L IS 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 300mm f4.0L IS USM weighs 1190g, 62% (1960g) lighter than the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM's weight of 3150g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Canon 300mm f4.0L IS 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 46mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 300mm f4.0L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has the Sigma SA lens mount whereas the Canon 300mm f4.0L IS USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill for the Sigma SA Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Nikon F (FX) and Pentax KAF mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 300mm f4.0L IS USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 300mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 480mm.
