The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG and the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS 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 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG is the longer of the two lenses at 122mm. The Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS with a length of 108mm, is 14mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG also has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS's 70mm 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 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS weighs 390g, 29% (160g) lighter than the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG's weight of 550g.
Filter Threads
Both the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG and the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS have the same Filter thread size of 58mm.
Below are links to the 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has the Canon EF lens mount whereas the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS has the Canon EF-S lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV for the Canon EF Mount and Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3 for the Canon EF-S Mount.
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has a focal range of 70-300mm and
4.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
112 - 480mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS has a focal range of 55-250mm and 4.5X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 88-400mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.