Canon 100-400 vs. Sigma 80-400

[orchestrated]

Alright.

I need a lens in this range and there seems to be strong points of each.

If you have had any experience with either lens, please tell.

[pitabread]

I have the Canon 100-400 and love it. No complaints here:

http://www.animecritic.com/_temp/photos/parrot.jpg

[DDA]

80-400 has OS (=Canon's IS) but no HSM (=Canon's USM). It depends then if you need quick focusing...

[evandavies]

I had the Sigma and it was well built and good quality optics but if you have the 350D be cautious. It did not work with my 350D and I found some posts from others who had same problem.

The OS does not function correctly with 350D.

I ended up selling the Sigma and getting the Canon. The actual image quality seems about the same but if the OS doesn't work its a simple choice.

Cheers,
Evan

[TXClark]

I had the Sigma and it was well built and good quality optics but if you have the 350D be cautious. It did not work with my 350D and I found some posts from others who had same problem.

The OS does not function correctly with 350D.

I ended up selling the Sigma and getting the Canon. The actual image quality seems about the same but if the OS doesn't work its a simple choice.

Cheers,
Evan

read this as well and just purchased a EF 100-400mm for my 350D

[petrolhead]

Don't forget if you buy the canon you can use one of their cash back vouchers and get £105 back

[blackviolet]

i found the AF on the 80-400 to be very S L O W. also the OS is not nearly as nice as IS. i'd definitely recommend the 100-400 over it.

[Webmonkeyuk]

im sorry but i dont feel the canon is worth the extra money ive used both and i feel the sigma is just as good as the canon the os is a lot better than canons which failed twice on me and thats the main reason i got rid of mine a few of my friends have had the same problem too, yeah some say the sigma is slower and it is but not by alot ive used both for military fast jet stuff and theres not alot in it if you use it right and theres not alot to seperate them in terms of image quality too. I ve had mine over a year now and id be lost with out it but like everything its down to personal taste id go to the local photo shop and ask to try them out

[condyk]

Owned both so tried both ... I advise you try them both too. They are not cheap. Make sure you decide on personal preference. I would be happy with either but I remembering disliking the push pull zoom on the L more than the lack of HSM on the EX. Both can deliver good shots used well. I would prefer a 50-500mm Ex and a CF monopod more than either, but some would prefer one of the other two and that is cool. So much is preference and personal need and budget.

[malla1962]

If you think you can cope with the push pull zoom and want fast focusing go for the canon.:D

[keith baker]

Money permitting always go for the canon lenses,my recent investment of 500f4 for motorsport is the absolute dogs dangly bits.the 100-400 is superb

[Jamey S.]

I would take the advice of trying/handling both lenses before buying. They both have their ups and downs, but in the end equal out. I personally don't like the push-pull zoom on the Canon and never could get used to it. Sorry too, but there is no reason to always go for the Canon brand whether $$ permits it or not. There are some lenses by 3rd party that all in all are far more bang for the buck and I would take anyday over OEM. Prime examples are the 100-300mm f/4 Sigma, 120-300mm f/2.8 Sigma, and the 28-75mm f/2.8 Tamron (because it is lighter then the OEM counterpart).