Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM § 03 Head to head
Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM vs Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM
Canon 400mm f/4 has a wider field of view. Sigma 500mm f/4 has a longer reach.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM is a 400mm f/4 prime, and the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM is a 500mm f/4 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 4 advantages each.
Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM 
Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM better than the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM?
- Wider field of view (400mm vs 500mm)
- 1210 g lighter (2100 g vs 3310 g)
- 148 mm shorter (232.7 mm vs 380.3 mm long)
- Focuses 20 cm closer (3.3 m vs 3.5 m)
Why is the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM better than the Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM?
- Longer reach (500mm vs 400mm)
- Smaller filter thread (46 mm vs 52 mm)
- $900 cheaper ($5,999 launch price vs $6,899 launch price)
- Newer design (2016 vs 2014)
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Which should you buy?
- wildlife For wildlife photography, the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM has the edge: it reaches 500mm against 400mm.
- sports For sports photography, the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM has the edge: it reaches 500mm against 400mm.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM | Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 400mm | 500mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 2100 g (74.08 oz) ◆ | 3310 g (116.76 oz) |
| Dimensions | 232.7 x 128 mm | 380.3 x 144.8 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 3.3 m (129.92 inches) ◆ | 3.50 m (137.80 inches) |
| Image stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 18 elements / 12 groups | 16 elements / 11 groups |
| Filter size | 52 mm | 46 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Canon EF | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA |
| Released | 2014 | 2016 |
| Price | $6,899 launch price | $5,999 launch price ◆ |
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Size
- A · Canon
- B · Sigma
- 232.7 × 128 mm
- 380.3 × 144.8 mm
The Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM is 148 mm longer and 1210 g heavier than the Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM.
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Sample frames
Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM
Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM or the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM?
- The Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM weighs 2100 g, 1210 g less than the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM (3310 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM or the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM?
- The Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM focuses down to 3.3 m, against 3.5 m for the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM.
- Do the Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM and the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM have image stabilization?
- Yes, both lenses have optical image stabilization.
- Is the Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM or the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM better for wildlife photography?
- For wildlife photography, the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM has the edge: it reaches 500mm against 400mm.
- Is the Canon EF 400 mm f/4 DO IS II USM or the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM better for sports photography?
- For sports photography, the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM has the edge: it reaches 500mm against 400mm.
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