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:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider 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 the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM's 157mm 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 800mm f5.6L IS USM weighs 4500g, 8% (400g) lighter than the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM's weight of 4900g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 46mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has the Sigma SA lens mount whereas the Canon 800mm f5.6L IS USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill 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 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in the Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
800mm and the fastest aperture of
F5.6.
