JBruce Loc: Northern MN

David, just sent you a PM. JBruce

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I have had both versions of the Canon lens. The newer MII is faster at focusing and built stronger than the other lenses you are looking at.
It also has virtually no loss of IQ with the matching TCs which is rare. Finally there isn't a lens made in its class that can focus anywhere as close as the Canon MII does at 400mm. This makes it an excellent lens when walking around looking for birds and animals and you run across a bug or flower you just zoom in on it at 400mm and about 3 feet away from the camera, not the front of the lens, and get a great closeup with no changing your lens. Others can't do this.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Head over to Brian Carnathan's the-digital-picture.com

There you'll find very thorough and informative reviews of all three (plus the Tamron 100-400mm)...

AND, you can compare test shots done with each of them, side-by-side and see the differences for yourself.

Pay particular attention to the section about the variable apertures. Though the Sigma sounds as if it's only 1/3 stop slower than the Canon... in reality it's more like 2/3 stops slower throughout much of it's range. For example, it's "f/5" only up to about 111mm, then drops to f/5.6! It "loses" another 1/3 stop to f/6.3 at 233mm. In comparison, the Canon is f/4.5 up to 134mm, f/5 from 135mm to 311mm, and then f/5.6 through 400mm.

Some other differences...

The guys at Lensrentals.com called the Canon 100-400 II "the best built zoom they'd ever seen", when they took one apart (they like to do that, just to see what's inside lenses ). I do not know if they've stripped down a Sigma or Tamron.... It was some years ago when the "II" was first introduced that they did the tear down of it, long before either of the third party lenses was introduced.

Also, both the Canon 100-400s use fluorite. Neither of the third party lenses do. A fluorite element in a telephoto helps minimize chromatic aberrations. Canon uses it in many lenses. Sigma uses "FLD" elements in some lenses, which they describe as "fluorite-like", but aren't actually fluorite.

As noted elsewhere, the Canon II is usable with teleconverters... at least on some cameras (which need to be "f/8 capable", in order to autofocus... but now T7i, 77D, 80D, 7DII and all the current full frame are able to AF an f/8 lens/TC combo). I actually haven't tried it yet with mine, but other users report very acceptable quality when using the lens with a quality 1.4X.

One thing I don't like about the Sigma is that it doesn't have a tripod mounting ring or even any means of optionally installing one. All the others either come with or can optionally be fitted with a tripod ring, which I personally consider a "must have" for a lens that reaches 400mm, even with image stabilization... especially if using the lens on a crop sensor camera. (Note: The tripod foot on the optional ring for the Tamron 100-400mm has a built in Arca-compatible dovetail. For my Canon 100-400mm II, I had to buy a replacement foot to get that. The shape of the foot Canon designed and installed on it makes it difficult to properly fit an Arca-style lens plate.)

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I have the Tamron lens for Nikon and the jury is still out on this one. It has a great tripod collar and it fits very securely which is one plus over the Sigma. It is heavy enough to use on a tripod- not a" have to" but a convenience when you want to. Also the tripod collar fits a pistol grip which balances the lens better than without.
The problem I have with this lens is inconsistent performance. I have gotten some very good shots and then many that were not. Part is operator error I'm sure but have not been able to figure out what exactly is the problem. It seems that the focus might be off just a wee bit although I did do the newsprint back and front test and it came out good. I have not been able to get a BIF shot in focus. Of course the stock photos put out by Tamron are excellent And the consumer rating has been excellent. I may exchange for another of the same to see if there is a difference.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

In the 100-400 debate I have to rely on reviews and other people. I have the 100-400L mk 2 now, and had a mk 1. I also have the 1.4x III extender and have used it with both marks. In long lenses I also had the Tamron 150-600 but traded it towards other gear. It got great images but I can almost duplicate the reach with the 100-400+1.4x. I am considering getting the G2 version so I can have a long lens on both my bodies at the same time.

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

You've gotten some great replies but here is a new one. I use the Canon mkII often because of it's macro capability. As an example, when photographing butterflies at 400mm or 560mm with the 1.4 extender mkIII, I can get so close that I could crop the wings if I wanted to ... without using extension tubes or close-up diopter lenses. Have fun!

Ray and JoJo Loc: Florida--Tenneessee

Just as food for though from a Nikon user check out a 70-200 2.8 and 2x have used my brother's with perfect results! And now have bough Nikon versions and very pleased.

Bill_de Loc: US

I ordered the Sigma yesterday and it came this afternoon. I was looking for something relatively inexpensive to leave in the car with the D7200 and Nikkor 18-200. I have a Nikkor 200-400 F4.0 but it's to heavy for me to hand hold. The real clincher was that it came with a free Sigma UV filter.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Have a look at some of the you tube reviews - focus is a down fall of this lens. If you want BIF and have a tight budget, CANON is your answer.

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suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I will check out the U tube reviews. When it's on focus it's on but you can't tell if it is really on.

Re Canon- So you have said Larry :) No can do. I have no budget after the failure of my Panasonic lens. It was a stretch picking up the Tamron :(

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Well let us know what you think about the Sigma. Especially about focus and clarity. Obviously the lack of tripod collar was not an issue for you- The price was right.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Which Nikon are you using - I forgot ? ....

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suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

d7500

Bill_de Loc: US

Shot today between noon and 1, hand held on a D7200. The first of each image is with my normal, for web, process. The second is cropped and saved only.

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suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Good first look! Super images. Sharp and clear. Did you have to do any adjustments to the lens or straight out of the box? Thank you for posting.