canon 100-400 or sigma 80-400mm

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c6 cya

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so after missing most of last years events due to a snowboard accident i didnt really use my camera much but got it back out this weekend and have the bug again. Now i understand about tele-coverters im looking to get a new lens to replace my sigma 70-300 and i am looking at either the Canon Telephoto EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS or a Sigma 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 EX APO lens , i mainly shoot motor sport and attend the odd air show once or twice a year , so i was just after some advice on what lens would best suit my needs thanks chris
 
In terms of IQ and build quality there really is no comparison, the canon is quite old now but the auto focus is still decent and will be fine for your usage. I have never used the sigma but it's not in the same league. Since you mention tele-converters none of these lenses will auto-focus if you use them in conjunction with a teleconverter unless you have a pro body. If you can afford/justify buying the canon then its a no brainer, the only possible cons are that it is reasonably heavy for a f5.6 lens (bring a monopod if you are shooting for extended periods), the lens is also a push/pull zoom type which some people would prefer was a traditional ring zoom.
 
Both lenses are showing their age. The sigma is actually quite slow, although performs well in good light, you just have to work within its capabilities. The canon a good lens, but their are issues and if you got a good copy, is a great lens. As mentioned, their are several other sigma lenses out there, however, personally for motorsport a f6.3 lens unless perfect conditions just ain't cutting the mustard, even though you're getting 500mm.

What budget are you willing to splash out on this lens, I'm assuming used as they haven't made the sigma 80-400mm for quite a few years.

I personally used several prime lenses and TCs for my motorsport and aviation photography, but a TC does not work too well with either of these lenses. Lose a f-stop or 2 depending on which TC and no autofocus with canon TCs, there are ways and means (kenko or taped contacts), but I still think these can damage the lens.
 
I rented a canon 100-400 from LensesForHire a while back as I am considering buying one in the summer, and I was very impressed with it. It seemed to be built like a tank and focused fast and silently. The push pull zoom became second nature after a day out with the lens and you soon get used to the zoom friction ring.
Due to typical English weather I didn't get as much use out of the lens as I had hoped, but I will definitely be buying one once the funds are there.
 
thanks for the replies budget is around 800ish so i think ill look for a 2nd hand canon
 
I had a Canon 100-400 IS L and a Sigma 150-500 OS and I recently sold the Canon as I found the Sigma to be a better performer. The IQ is roughly the same quality, the range of the Sigma is obviously wider, the AF speed of both are around the same and the Canon can take some getting used to with the push/pull zoom, but the biggest difference I noticed was the IS/OS system.
The Sigma beats the Canon hands down, I had it handheld down to 1/10 sec and still managed to get a good shot. I know the Sigma is f6.3 at the long end but, IMO it seems to handle lower light better than the Canon too, meaning it will still lock on in lower light while the Canon is hunting.
They are both great lenses but IMO the Sigma tops the Canon and can be bought for under £600 new from www.panamoz.com if you aren't worried about a grey import.
 
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I used a Sigma 150-500 and found it very soft beyond 400mm. I also had real problems getting the lens to focus quickly so this may not be a good choice if you are sport or airshow centric.

Obviously people still talk about the Sigma quality control, i could have used a bad copy. But the experience left me in no doubt that investing in a Canon 100-400 was the way to go.

I scanned the used market for a long while until i found one at a price that i could justify. It is well worth the money.

Here are some of my shots with the Canon 100-400L IS USM.

For extended shooting periods i use a monopod which has already been mentioned. I also find that a grip balances the body and lens a bit better too (and provides extended battery life).
 
The 80-400 is a very old lens with conventional AF motor (slow and noisy).

Go for the Canon 100-400 or the Sigma 50-500mm OS (difficult to find used but if you see one grab it!)
 
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