Choice between Sigma and Canon

I really want to buy the 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens (or 120-400mm- Sigma), but the difference between the Canon L lens and the Sigma is 2:1. Both lenses have OS and the sigma has HSM. I have $ for the Sigma, and not for the Canon, if I want the Canon I would have to wait 6 months to a year to save the $. Would I be wrong buying the Sigma? Thanks

There is no right or wrong. Each lens has it's advantages and disadvantages. The 100-400 has faster AF and better IQ, the Siggy is cheaper and has more reach. What's more important?

I had the same problem about 6 months ago. I went with the 100-400L, mainly for IQ at 400 & f/5.6. I like it so far, with the exception of the mediocre IS system.

I'm going with the sigma 120-400mm myself as the sigma is half the price and performs well. At least some copies do. I'm buying used off my local Craigslist (or through here) so I can make sure to get a good copy. Although, have you considered a used canon 100-400?

If you need a lens with that reach now, get the Sigma. If you find it does the job you need, keep it. If not, hang on to it and save the money while using the Sigma, then sell it down the road and get the Canon.

That Sigma is awesome and there are very few "bad copies" on that lens. Get it and shoot with it. If you get it from some place like Adorama and you find it isn't what you want, they would let you return it. I suspect that most likely, once you have it on your camera you won't find the difference worth spending when you could use that money for yet another lens, speedlight(s), and other things that will make a larger impact on your work.

Pepe Guitarra wrote in post #14940483
I really want to buy the 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens (or 120-400mm- Sigma), but the difference between the Canon L lens and the Sigma is 2:1. Both lenses have OS and the sigma has HSM. I have $ for the Sigma, and not for the Canon, if I want the Canon I would have to wait 6 months to a year to save the $. Would I be wrong buying the Sigma? Thanks

From your statements, I think you will always wonder if you don't go Canon.

gjl711 wrote in post #14940495
There is no right or wrong. Each lens has it's advantages and disadvantages. The 100-400 has faster AF and better IQ, the Siggy is cheaper and has more reach. What's more important?

The Sigma has less reach on the wide end, and the same at the long end. The advantages the Sigma has are price and better image stabilizing features (about two stops better). There is one(two) other advantage(s) to Canon is build quality (potential resale value). [If the OP was talking about the Sigma 150-500, then you would be right.]

(For me) If those were my choices, I'd wait and get the Canon. Only if you truly can't afford to wait (money or must have the reach now) would I then go with the Sigma. If you choice was the either the Sigma 50-500 or Sigma 150-500, it would be a harder decision.

jimewall wrote in post #14941246
(For me) If those were my choices, I'd wait and get the Canon. Only if you truly can't afford to wait (money or must have the reach now) would I then go with the Sigma. If you choice was the either the Sigma 50-500 or Sigma 150-500, it would be a harder decision.

I agree, do some more research but if you can wait you would get better resolution, "IQ", AF, etc. with the 100-400

I was assuming it was one of the either the 150-500 or 50-500.