The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro 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 APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 204mm. The Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM with a length of 119mm, is 85mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 95mm compared to the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM's 79mm 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 100mm f2.8 Macro USM weighs 600g, 63% (1040g) lighter than the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM's weight of 1640g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Macro Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Macro Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a filter size of 86mm whereas the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM has a 58mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 86mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro 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 APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Sigma SA and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 180mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
288mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 100mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 160mm.