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Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM vs Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM

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Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM

Telephoto Prime | Canon EF

Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
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Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM

Telephoto Prime | Canon EF

Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM
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Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM vs Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM, two Telephoto Prime lenses from Sigma and Canon. Both lenses have the same focal length and max apertures of 800mm focal range and a max aperture of F5.6 so they are very comparable in this regard.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Key Specs

  • 800mm Focal Range
  • F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 46mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 4900g.
  • Diameter: 157mm
  • Length: 521mm
  • Min Focus Distance:7m
  • Max Magnification:0.11x

Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM Key Specs

  • 800mm Focal Range
  • F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 52mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 4500g.
  • Diameter: 163mm
  • Length: 461mm
  • Min Focus Distance:6m
  • Max Magnification:0.14x

What type of photography are the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM
Bird/WildlifeExcellentExcellent
SportsExcellentExcellent
PortraitPoorPoor
TravelPoorPoor
StreetPoorPoor
WeddingPoorPoor
Walk AroundPoorPoor
VloggingPoorPoor
LandscapePoorPoor
MacroPoorPoor

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 521mm. The Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM with a length of 461mm is 60mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM has a larger diameter of 163mm compared to Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM's 157mm diameter.

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 800mm f5.6L IS USM weighs 4500g, 8% (400g) lighter than the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM's weight of 4900g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.

Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Canon EF 85mm f1.8 USM Lens Canon 85mm f1.8 USM
72mm
75mm 425g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM
448mm
168mm 3050g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM Lens Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM
84mm
92mm 1025g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 200mm f2L IS USM Lens Canon 200mm f2L IS USM
208mm
128mm 2520g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS USM Lens Canon 500mm f4.0L IS USM
387mm
146mm 3870g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm f5.6L USM Lens Canon 400mm f5.6L USM
257mm
90mm 1250g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 400mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon 400mm f2.8L IS II USM
343mm
163mm 3850g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 100mm f2.0 USM Lens Canon 100mm f2.0 USM
74mm
75mm 460g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and Canon 800mm f5.6L 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 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) and Sigma SA mounts.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 800mm and the fastest aperture of F5.6.

Reasons to choose Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM over Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM

Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 8 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Diameter 157mm vs 163mm 6mm smaller in diameter
Filter Thread 46mm vs 52mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find

Reasons to choose Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM over Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM

Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Weight 4500g vs 4900g 400g lighter
Length 461mm vs 521mm 60mm shorter
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Minimum Focus Distance 6m vs 7m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.14x vs 0.11x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM vs Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sigma Canon
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Prime Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Canon EF Canon EF
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 800mm 800mm
Image Stabilization No Yes
Colour Unknown White
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F5.6 F5.6
Min Aperture F32.0 F32.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 8
Optics
Optical Elements 12 18
Optical Groups 9 14
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 7m 6m
Max Magnification 0.11X 0.14X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 4900g 4500g
Diameter 157mm 163mm
Length 521mm 461mm
Materials Unknown Magnesium alloy barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing Unknown Yes
Filter Thread 46mm 52mm
Filter Notes drop-in 46mm filters Drop-in
Hood Supplied Yes Unknown
Hood Code Unknown ET-155
Tripod Collar Yes Yes
Optional Accessories - Lens Case 800
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