Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM § 03 Head to head
Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM vs Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM
Canon 500mm f/4 is 120 g lighter. Sigma 500mm f/4 focuses 20 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM is a 500mm f/4 prime, and the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM is a 500mm f/4 prime. On paper the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM 
Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM better than the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM?
- 120 g lighter (3190 g vs 3310 g)
Why is the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM better than the Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM?
- Focuses 20 cm closer (3.5 m vs 3.7 m)
- Smaller filter thread (46 mm vs 52 mm)
- Newer design (2016 vs 2011)
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Specification
| Specification | Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM | Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 500mm | 500mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/32 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 3190 g (112.52 oz) ◆ | 3310 g (116.76 oz) |
| Dimensions | 146 x 383 mm | 380.3 x 144.8 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 3.7 m (145.67 inches) | 3.50 m (137.80 inches) ◆ |
| Image stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Weather sealing | — | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 16 elements / 12 groups | 16 elements / 11 groups |
| Filter size | 52 mm | 46 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Canon EF | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA |
| Released | 2011 | 2016 |
| Price | — | $5,999 launch price |
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Size
- A · Canon
- B · Sigma
- 383 × 146 mm
- 380.3 × 144.8 mm
The Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM is 3 mm longer and 120 g lighter than the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM.
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Sample frames
Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM
![Barred Owl [03.15.26]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55585439446_98442644ef.jpg)
![Barred Owl [03.15.26]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55585854640_74f6c3a66a.jpg)
![Common Grackle [03.09.26]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55581458268_42ea7463d7.jpg)
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 500 mm f/4L IS II USM or the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM?
- The Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM weighs 3190 g, 120 g less than the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM (3310 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM or the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM?
- The Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM focuses down to 3.5 m, against 3.7 m for the Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM.
- Do the Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS II USM and the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM have image stabilization?
- Yes, both lenses have optical image stabilization.
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