Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM vs Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM has more in its favour on paper. The EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM gathers more light for low light and background blur; the 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is lighter and cheaper. The Canon lens is the mount maker's own, while the Sigma is a third-party alternative.
Choose the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/4.5-5.6, about 0.3 stops more light)
- weather sealing
Choose the 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary for
- less weight (1160g vs 1570g)
- a lower price (about £590 vs £1,040)
| EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM | 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Sigma |
| Focal length | 100-400mm | 100-400mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4.5-5.6 | f/5-6.3 |
| Weight | 1570 g | 1160 g |
| Stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Weather sealing | Yes | No |
| Filter size | 77mm | 67mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £1,899 | £799 |
| Used at MPB (Canon EF / EF-S) | £689–£1,399 | £434–£754 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM better than the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary?
The EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/4.5-5.6, about 0.3 stops more light), weather sealing; the 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary offers less weight (1160g vs 1570g), a lower price (about £590 vs £1,040).
Which is better value, the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM or the 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary?
On Canon EF / EF-S, the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary costs about £590 against about £1,040 for the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/4.5 worth it over f/5?
f/4.5 gathers about 0.3 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Canon EF / EF-S (and other mounts: Nikon F).