The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II 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. Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is the longer of the two lenses at 184mm. The Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM with a length of 172mm, is 12mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II also has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM's 76mm 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 70-200mm f4L IS USM weighs 760g, 45% (630g) lighter than the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II's weight of 1390g.
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 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has a filter size of 77mm 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 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II 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 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is also available in Four Thirds , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
70-200mm but while Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has the fastest aperture of
F2.8, the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM's widest aperture value is
F4.0.