The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM and the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L II 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 16-35mm f2.8L II USM is the longer of the two lenses at 112mm. The Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM with a length of 106mm, is 6mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L II USM also has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to the Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM's 75mm 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 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM weighs 555g, which means it is 80g (12%) lighter than the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L II USM which has a weight of 635g.
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM has the Sigma SA lens mount whereas the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L II USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sigma SD1 Merrill, Sigma SD1 and 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 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Nikon F (DX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM has a focal range of 8-16mm and
2.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
12-24mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Canon 16-35mm f2.8L II USM has a focal range of 16-35mm and 2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 25.6 - 56mm.
