If you’re a photographer, at some point you’ve probably wondered about the difference between Canon and Sigma lenses. Both brands are popular choices for photographers of all levels, but which one is right for you? In this article, we will answer common questions about Canon and Sigma lenses and help you decide which brand is best for your needs. We’ll also provide useful tips to help you get the most out of your lens purchase!
Why Lens Choice is Important
Your DSLR camera is only as good as the lens you have attached to it. Choosing the right lens is important, especially if you plan on shooting in low light or want to achieve a certain look with your photos. In this guide, we will compare Canon and Sigma lenses, two of the most popular brands on the market. We’ll go over the differences between them and help you decide which one is right for you.
Canon Lenses in General
Canon has a wide range of lenses available, from entry-level to professional. Canon lenses are known for their excellent image quality and build quality. Many of Canon’s lenses are designed with specific purposes in mind, such as landscape or portrait photography. They offer a wide variety of lenses for different needs, from budget-friendly options to professional-grade glass.
Canon offers a wide variety of lenses for their DSLR cameras, from the entry-level Rebel series to the high-end EOS-series. Canon lenses are generally well-regarded for their sharpness, build quality, and overall image quality. [1]
Sigma Lenses in General
Sigma’s product range includes Art, Contemporary, and Sport lines of lenses for Canon, Nikon, Sony E-mount, Pentax K-mount, and Sigma SA mount cameras.
Sigma lenses are known for being some of the best on the market. They offer great image quality, fast autofocusing, and often come at a fraction of the price of similar Canon lenses. Sigma also has a wider range of lenses available, including ones that are not offered by Canon.
One downside to Sigma lenses is that they are not always compatible with all camera bodies. This means you’ll need to do your research before purchasing a Sigma lens to make sure it will work with your particular camera. Additionally, Sigma’s customer service is not always as responsive as Canon’s, so you may have a more difficult time getting help if you run into problems with your lens. [1]
Comparison of Canon and Sigma Lenses
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of Canon and Sigma lenses, let’s compare them side-by-side. Each has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to know which one will suit your needs better. Here’s an overview of the differences between Canon and Sigma lenses. Keep in mind that both brands offer different lens models with a range of prices and features, so this is just a general guide.
Build quality
When it comes to build quality, Canon lenses are typically better than Sigma lenses. This is because Canon lenses are made with higher-quality materials and they’re more durable. Sigma lenses are still well-made, but they’re not as tough as Canon lenses. If you’re looking for a lens that will withstand a lot of wear and tear, Canon is the way to go.
Canon lenses also have weather-sealing, which means they can be used in all kinds of conditions without worries about damage. Sigma lenses don’t have this feature, so they’re not ideal for shooting in harsh environments.
This isn’t much of a factor if you are a casual photographer, but it’s something to keep in mind if you plan on doing a lot of outdoor shooting. [2]
Focus speed
When choosing a lens, one of the most important factors to consider is focus speed. This is because the faster a lens can focus, the less likely you are to miss a shot. Canon lenses tend to have faster focus speeds than Sigma lenses, making them better suited for action photography. [1], [2]
Size
Sigma lenses tend to be larger and heavier, while Canon lenses are smaller and lighter. This can be a major factor when deciding which lens to buy, especially if you plan on traveling with your camera. However, as we mentioned the size and weight come down to a specific model. [1]
Focal range
Another difference between Canon and Sigma lenses is the focal range. Focal range is the amount of zoom that a lens can provide. It’s measured in millimeters (mm). The higher the number, the more zoomed in you can get.
For example, a 50mm lens will let you get pretty close to your subject, but you won’t be able to zoom in as much as you could with a 100mm lens. That extra 50mm makes a big difference when it comes to getting close-up shots.
Canon has a slightly better range of focal lengths than Sigma. That however, doesn’t mean that Sigma lenses are no good. In fact, they are very tight when it comes to image quality. [1], [2]
Aperture sharpness
A factor that has a solid contribution to image quality is aperture sharpness. Aperture sharpness is the percentage of light that actually passes through the center of the lens, as opposed to bouncing off the sides of the lens. The higher the percentage, the sharper your images will be.
Canon lenses tend to have a higher percentage of light that passes through the center of the lens than Sigma lenses. This means that Canon lenses typically produce sharper images than Sigma lenses. On top of that, the sharpness will be even throughout the entire image.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, Sigma’s Art line of lenses is designed with sharpness in mind and often outperforms certain Canon series in terms of image quality. [1], [2], [3]
Autofocus
While Canon and Sigma run pretty close in many factors, autofocus is one area where Canon has the clear advantage. Sigma’s autofocusing system is reliable, but it can’t match Canon’s ultra-fast and accurate autofocus. If you’re a professional photographer or videographer who needs to capture split-second moments, Canon is the way to go.
For one, Sigma will constantly look for a subject to focus on, even when you’re not taking a picture. This can be draining on your camera’s battery and can slow down the autofocusing process when you are taking photos. Canon’s autofocus system is more efficient, only activating when you half-press the shutter button.
Sigma can also lose autofocus, a lot. If you’re shooting in low light or trying to capture a fast-moving subject, there’s a good chance Sigma’s autofocus will struggle. Canon’s autofocus system is much better at tracking moving subjects and maintaining focus in low-light conditions.
So, if you need a lens that can quickly and accurately focus on your subjects, Canon is the way to go. [1], [4]
Price
Obviously, price is going to be a major factor in your decision. Canon lenses are generally more expensive than Sigma lenses. This is because Canon is a larger, more well-known company with a longer history in the camera lens industry. Sigma lenses are often cheaper alternatives to Canon lenses, but they’re not always less expensive.
But you can still find some very high-quality and expensive Sigma lenses if you’re willing to spend the money.
Different models with different features will obviously have different price tags, but in general, Canon lenses are going to be more expensive than Sigma lenses. [1], [2]
FAQ
Are Sigma or Canon lenses better?
This is a difficult question to answer. Both brands have their pros and cons. For example, Canon lenses are typically more expensive than Sigma lenses. However, Sigma lenses often get good reviews in terms of image quality. Sigma does fall short in terms of autofocus capabilities and customer service. Ultimately, it depends on your needs and budget as to which brand is better for you.
What is the difference between a Sigma and Canon lens?
The biggest difference between Sigma and Canon lenses is the price. Sigma lenses are typically cheaper than Canon lenses. However, there are some expensive Sigma lenses on the market.
Canon lenses tend to be better quality than Sigma lenses. They also have a wider range of focal lengths and aperture sizes. However, Sigma makes up for this with their Art line of lenses, which are designed for professional photographers.
Do Sigma lenses have autofocus?
Sigma lenses have autofocus, but it may not be as accurate as Canon’s. Sigma’s HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) is usually noisy and slower than Canon’s USM (Ultrasonic Motor), so if you need to shoot fast-moving subjects, Canon might be a better option.
Are Canon L lenses worth it?
The simple answer is that yes, Canon L lenses are definitely worth it. Not only do they offer amazing image quality, but they’re also built to last with superior construction and weather-sealing. If you can afford the initial investment, a Canon L lens will be a faithful partner for many years to come.
Useful Video: Are Sigma Lenses Worth It? Canon L vs. Sigma Art MALE MODEL Shootout
Conclusion
Many photographers may wonder whether or not third-party lenses are worth the investment, and the answer may vary depending on what you’re looking for. In general, Canon lenses tend to be a bit more expensive than Sigma lenses; however, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Sigma lenses are bad. Actually, Sigma has a lot to offer photographers, from great image quality to advanced lens technology. And while Canon is a trusted name in the world of photography, Sigma is quickly gaining popularity. So if you’re looking for an affordable option with professional features, Sigma might be the way to go.
However Canon really stands out when it comes to autofocus performance and build quality. If you’re a professional photographer or someone who relies on their gear to perform in demanding situations, then Canon is probably the better option. But if you’re just getting started in photography and don’t want to spend a lot of money on lenses, Sigma is definitely worth considering.
No matter what brand you choose, the most important thing is that you find lenses that work well for you and your style of photography. So do your research and try out different brands before making a decision. And remember, the best camera is the one that’s with you when inspiration strikes!
References
- https://fstoppers.com/gear/canon-l-versus-sigma-art-lenses-which-are-right-you-458980
- https://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/237/are-sigma-lenses-comparable-to-canon-lenses-for-a-canon-camera
- https://www.jessicawhitaker.co/blog/which-lens-should-you-buy-canon-35mm-f14-vs-sigma-art-35mm-f14-lens-comparison
- https://www.davidcallenphoto.com/blogs/donewithsigma