Canon 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L IS II USM v Sigma 150-600 f5-6.3 DG OS HSM

Twigman

Twigman

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I'm looking for a longer lens.
I realise, after trying to shoot Duxford BoB air show with the kit 18-135 that I just do not have the reach.
I also enjoy shooting motorsports and find my 75-300 can be a little short for this and the IQ and focusing speed is terrible when compared to say my 24-70 f4 L.

I am wondering if 400mm on an 80D is enough reach for air shows?
I read on the Canon website that the 1.4x converter allows AF to work with the 80D on the 100-400 II which would give me 560 at the long end while keeping f8

I know the Sigma in Sport version will, at close to 3kg, be too heavy.
So I'm down to looking at the Contemporary.
I know the Canon will cost 3x the Sigma....

The Canon + 1.4x will be more flexible - remove the 1.4x at the race track and the 2 lenses are a similar weight.

Is the Canon 100-400 plus 1.4x really worth 3x as much as the Sigma....??

I confess I'm leaning towards the Canon - then the only excuse I'll have is the lack of skills of the operator - I won't be able to blame the equipment.

If money wasn't really an issue for you, would you choose the Canon 100-400 plus 1.4x converter over the Sigma 150-600 or not?
 
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I have the 100-400 II and 1.4x III, and am very pleased with this set up. On its own the 100-400 must be among the best zoom lenses ever made for Canon. Speed of focusing (on 7DII) is pretty amazing and image quality is right up there. With the 1.4x attached, things slow down a little but image quality seems unaffected.

I've only heard good things about the Sigma, so I don't think you can go too far wrong with either. The 100-400ii is weather resistant though whereas I think the Sigma contemporary version is not. A bit of resistance to rain might come in handy when out and about shooting Motorsport at a soggy Oulton Park..
 
Ah the Canon vs. Sigma dilemma . I had exactly the same situation last year when I decided that my current zoom was not long enough for the photos I wanted to take. I had the money to buy the Canon 100- 400 but I chose the Sigma as I could not justify the cost of the Canon (even if I was to buy via the grey market) I actually waited until Black Friday and WEX had 10% off the lens with quidco I managed to buy the lens for £635. With the saving I made I put towards buying the 80D.

As to the performance of the 80D+ Sigma I am more than delighted with the price vs. performance. I have further tweaked the Sigma using Focal lens calibration software and am very happy with the performance. I totally agree with your view on the flexibility of the Canon 100-400 but cost was the deciding factor for me.

As a footnote one of my die hard Nikon user friends had a play with my 80D and Sigma and was impressed enough to cancel his Nikon 200-500 and purchase the Sigma, something I never thought would happen!

Good luck with your choice which ever way you go you will be impressed with both lenses (I rented the 100-400 for a weekend to confirm my buying decision)
 
The issue with using a 1.4 teleconverter is that you lose a stop so you will be at f8 (I think). That means either lower shutter speed or higher ISO compared to the Sigma, either of which could affect image quality. I believe It can also effect focusing speed and possibly accuracy
 
sirch said:
The issue with using a 1.4 teleconverter is that you lose a stop so you will be at f8 (I think). That means either lower shutter speed or higher ISO compared to the Sigma, either of which could affect image quality. I believe It can also effect focusing speed and possibly accuracy
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Yep, f/8 at the long end with the 1.4x attached which as you say is a bit of a compromise. Most of the time I only use the lens on its own, having the TC is a useful option but by no means essential.
 
You're not making this any easier....

My heart says Canon, my head says Sigma

How long 'til Black Friday? It's the last Friday in November, isn't it?
 
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I tried my Sigma 150-600C lens out properly Sunday on the Birmingham Velo 100 riders. Did a good but needed to keep the shutter speed above 1/250th for guaranteed sharp results. That may be due to the photographer's skill (or lack of) rather than the lens as it was on moving targets.

I was very impressed with the results.
 
there is now a sigma 100-400mm option.
however, for airshows in Sunderland I've found 300mm equiv
on a crop to be more than enough
 
I have the 100-400 Mk2 and found it plenty long enough for airshows & motor sport, plus it is really sharp. I had the old Sigma 120-400 before that and glad i made the change as the difference in IQ is very noticeable.

Why not hire one and try it out first?
 
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I'm glad someone else is pondering this question as well as me! From what I've seen from the few reviews I've read and watched, I believe I'd have to go for the 'Sport' version of the Sigma to get a similar focusing speed and 'lock on' success rate to the Canon 100-400 Mk 2 when shooting faster moving subjects. The sport is considerably bigger and heavier than the Canon 100-400, so that puts me off, although it would give a 600mm top end rather than 400mm.

Top and bottom of it is, I want a 100 to 600 constant f4 that's the same size as the Canon 100-400 Mk 2, with top image quality at all magnifications, at the same price as the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary! As I know that's probably not going to happen in my lifetime I'm back where I started and wondering which one to save up for! :facepalm:
 
Mr Badger said:
Top and bottom of it is, I want a 100 to 600 constant f4 that's the same size as the Canon 100-400 Mk 2, with top image quality at all magnifications, at the same price as the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary!
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Exactly......I think I'm going to be swayed towards the Canon.....I love L series glass - you can always see the difference....will i miss the extra reach?
I've identified that the Canon will fit in my gear bag vertically, the Sigma not so much...which scores another point to the Canon.

I see huge 'savings' on the Canon on the grey market but I'm a little reluctant to go down that route....

decisions
decisions
 
Twigman said:
Exactly......I think I'm going to be swayed towards the Canon.....I love L series glass - you can always see the difference....will i miss the extra reach?
I've identified that the Canon will fit in my gear bag vertically, the Sigma not so much...which scores another point to the Canon.

I see huge 'savings' on the Canon on the grey market but I'm a little reluctant to go down that route....

decisions
decisions
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Twigman I bought my 80D from Portus with no problems at all would recommend them for the Canon 100-400

http://www.portusdigital.com/lenses...n-ef-100-400mm-f4-5-5-6-l-is-ii-usm-lens.html
 
If it is any help, I use the 100-400 ii on my 7D2, and the 1.4x iii is rarely off it. I can see no difference in image quality, and there is barely any difference in focussing; I happily use it for birds in flight (I got bearded reedlings in flight with it just yesterday). It is light, easy to use, and I find the f/8 restriction much less bothersome than I expected - I don't often get my 500 f/4 now ... can you tell I just love this lens and it is by far my most used lens.
 
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I was at Duxford for the show on Saturday and having a quick browse through my images the majority were taken between 400 and 500mm using my Sigma 150-600 C on an 80d body.

I did hire a Canon 100-400L II last year for the Meet The Fighters show but the combination of bad weather & my first outing with a DSLR for a few years maybe wasn't the best test but I did notice the images from the 100-400 were better straight out of the camera than the Sigmas and don't need as much processing. I might hire another next season to compare again.

If I had the money I think I would of gone for the Canon & 1.4 extender but having used the Sigma I am very impressed with the results and don't regret purchasing it at all.

My next upgrade will be a 7D mk II (or mk III if its out for the next show in March)
 
nbaker said:
I was at Duxford for the show on Saturday and having a quick browse through my images the majority were taken between 400 and 500mm using my Sigma 150-600 C on an 80d body.
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Were you using AF in AI Servo mode?
How many and which area of focus points were you using?
Did the Sigma lock focus quickly and manage to track the planes in focus accurately?
 
Yes I was using the AI Servo mode and the 9 point AF Zone in the centre.

I have also set up the camera for back button focusing which really helps keeping the focus when tracking.

The lens is very quick and accurate focusing, although I have calibrated mine using Reikan Focal Pro software which has helped a little.
 
aaaargh...lenses are so good these days it makes choosing so difficult......I know I should go with the Sigma, my bank balance will thank me, but I think I want the Canon - I suspect it might last longer being built like a tank 'n'all....

Perhaps i should wait until next season?
.....but a run on the pound would hurt.....

Do i cure my GAS now or suffer all winter?
 
I own the 100-400mm mkii and the Sigma 150-600mm Sport.

For air shows and motorsport, I use the Canon as there is now way in hell I would use the Sigma pointed skywards and constant panning as it weighs as much as a small car.

I only ever use the Sigma on a tripod or in bird hides where I can rest it on the side while waiting for something to snap.
 
Haha, yes I think I would struggle with the Sport but the C version is near enough the same weight as the 100-400 + 1.4x extender.
 
The Sigma C is 290g heavier than the Canon - that's a whole 10 ounces...
 
I've got a 100-400mm EF Mkii on a 7Dii along with a TC1.4x iii. Bought s/h off eBay, never regretted it, like a previous poster in had a Sigma 120-400mm previously and imho the Canon is streets ahead quality wise
 
Twigman said:
aaaargh...lenses are so good these days it makes choosing so difficult......I know I should go with the Sigma, my bank balance will thank me, but I think I want the Canon - I suspect it might last longer being built like a tank 'n'all....

Perhaps i should wait until next season?
.....but a run on the pound would hurt.....

Do i cure my GAS now or suffer all winter?
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Wait until the 2 year interest free deals return, I walked out of Park Cameras with mine for £200 and a pledge to pay the rest at £70 a month for two years.

I did this back in May and I am in love with it - even adding my old 1.4II doesn't seen to affect its image quality too much

My advice - just do it - life's too short

Good luck

D
 
GordonM said:
like a previous poster in had a Sigma 120-400mm previously and imho the Canon is streets ahead quality wise
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So it should be considering both price and age of the Sigma.

I use a 150-600mm Sport on a MKI 7D and it gives very good results ... it is a pain to use handheld though but I put up with it because I detest tripods. (which I find next to useless at airshows anyway).
I have thought about swapping it for the 100-400mm II a number of times but as I use it virtually exclusively at 600mm I can't see the point.
 
Willid1 said:
My advice - just do it - life's too short
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Couldn't have put it better myself.

This has been my feelings since my mum past away at a fairly early age, if I want it, I get it and worry about the money later.
 
With the extended warranty?
 
Don't forget to come back and tell us what you think of it once you've taken some shots with it. (y)
 
Mr Badger said:
Don't forget to come back and tell us what you think of it once you've taken some shots with it. (y)
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You don't really want to see my efforts, really you don't....


I shall have it in my hands tomorrow so I suspect I'll be seeking a location for the weekend....perhaps I'll go to the Shuttleworth collection end of season show but the weather forecast is pants...
 
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Agreed Shuttleworth is a great venue and I doubt if you will use the 400mm end of the lens much if you can get to the fence on the crowd line you are quite close to the action. Well that is compared to Duxford or RIAT. I'm sure you will enjoy the lens as it a really great to use.
 
hamster100 said:
I have the 100-400 Mk2 and found it plenty long enough for airshows & motor sport, plus it is really sharp. I had the old Sigma 120-400 before that and glad i made the change as the difference in IQ is very noticeable.

Why not hire one and try it out first?
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The Sigma 120-400 is a very different lens to the 150-600 and not in the equation here.

FWIW I use the Sigma 150-600 C for both air and motor sport and it's more than capable, very good indeed in fact.
 
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odd jim said:
The Sigma 120-400 is a very different lens to the 150-600 and not in the equation here.
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I was just saying that the 100-400 is a cracking lens, and I'm very glad that I changed from the Sigma as I'm sure the OP will be.
 
hamster100 said:
I was just saying that the 100-400 is a cracking lens, and I'm very glad that I changed from the Sigma as I'm sure the OP will be.
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The OP doesn't have a Sigma 120-400?
 
Twigman said:
also true :)
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I'm sure you will be very happy with the Canon, I am, and Shuttleworth is well worth a visit. I was looking to go this Sunday but the weather forecast isn't looking that great.
 
hamster100 said:
Well when he started the post he didn't have the 100-400 canon either.
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He didn't have either. The comparison was between the 100-400 and Sigma 150-600 and you brought the Sigma 120-400 into the comparison.

I was just wondering the relevance of the 120-400 as this didn't have a bearing on the performance of the 150-600.
 
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