The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S and the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S is the longer of the two lenses at 269mm. The Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM with a length of 189mm, is 80mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S also has a larger diameter of 120mm compared to the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM's 92mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM weighs 1380g, 48% (1320g) lighter than the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S's weight of 2700g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S and the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L 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 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S is also available in Nikon F (FX) and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S has a focal range of 60-600mm 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 96 - 960mm.
Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS 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.