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5 Best Sigma lenses for Canon Cameras

Updated on November 18, 2013

The 5 best Sigma lenses for Canon digital cameras

Here we have the best Sigma lenses for Canon digital SLR cameras reviewed and compared. There was a time when Canon branded lenses were head and shoulders above the competition, however times have changed and the third party manufacturers have caught up.

It is now possible to buy Sigma lenses for Canon digital slr cameras that are equally as good as Canon lenses. In fact, many photographers consider Sigma lenses for Canon slr cameras better than CanonĂ¢s own lenses because they represent better value for money.

Sigma lenses for Canon digital cameras are not of the same build quality as the Canon l series lenses, but the Sigma lenses for Canon digital cameras are of the same build quality of CanonĂ¢s non l series lenses, which means the Sigma lenses for Canon cameras are sturdy enough and will last a life time if you look after them.

Sigma really has upped their game in the past few years and it is now possible to buy some exceptionally good Sigma lenses for Canon cameras. The current Sigma lenses ;

Contain top quality optics for awesome image quality

Have silent HSM motors so not to attract too much attention

Have lightning fast auto focus systems to ensure your camera locks on to the subject quickly and efficiently

Many have optical stabilization technology to ensure images are tack sharp each and every time

Yep, Sigma lenses for Canon digital cameras are awesome and are a viable alternative to Canon branded lenses. If you own a Canon digital slr camera and are looking for a new lens I strongly suggest you take a look at the Sigma lenses for Canon cameras, because you may be surprised.

Having used many Sigma lenses for Canon cameras over the years I have drawn up a list of what I consider the must have Sigma lenses for Canon cameras, and there is a lens to suit all situations. So, for the best Sigma lenses for Canon slr cameras check out the Sigma lenses below.

Sigma lenses for Canon - 10mm - 20mm f4 - 5.6 EX DC HSM

Sigma 10mm - 20mm f4 - 5.6 EX DC HSM

If you are in to your landscape and seascape photography and need a wide angle lens there is only one Sigma lenses for Canon to buy, and that is the 10mm - 20mm f4 - 5.6 EX DC HSM. If you shoot a crop sensor Canon this lens is perfect for those super wide shots and is a good alternative to the Canon efs 10mm - 22mm. The Sigma 10mm - 20mm doesn't feel as sturdy as the Canon 10mm - 22mm, but this is to be expected. Still, the Sigma 10mm - 20mm is well built and provide years of service if you look after it.

This lens is 3.2 inches long, has a 3.3 inch diameter and weighs in at 16.4 ounces, which means it is small, light and compact, which is a bonus. The HSM motor is quiet and fairly quick, but at then end of the day the focus speed is a mute point in landscape photography.

The optical quality of the Sigma 10mm - 20mm f4 - 5.6 EX DC HSM is very good and it is possible to capture some stunning images with it. Images can be soft at wide apertures but if you close the lens down the sharpness greatly improves. Considering wide apertures aren't used in landscape photography this shouldn't cause any issues at all.

An alternative to this lens is the Sigma 10mm - 20mm f3.5 EX DC HSM, which has a maximum aperture of f3.5 throughout the entire focal length and is more expensive (approx. a 120 bucks more!) than the Sigma 10mm - 20mm f4 - 5.6. Other than these two differences the two lenses are identical. A wide aperture is not needed in landscape photography therefore I would suggest you save your money and buy the f4 - 5.6 model.

If you are looking for the best value wide angle Sigma lenses for Canon the 10mm - 20mm f4 - 5.6 EX DC HSM is the model to buy. Whilst it may not have the same maximum wide aperture as the Sigma 10mm - 20mm f3.5, does it really matter? I mean, how many landscape photos have you taken at f3.5? I know I haven't shot any at such a wide aperture, ever.

Sigma lenses for Canon - 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM

Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM

If you want 50mm Sigma lenses for Canon there are a few options available but my recommendation is the Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM. With a maximum aperture of 1.4 it is possible to capture photos with a tack sharp subject against a nicely blurred out background, which is very pleasing to the eye.

The build quality of the Sigma 50mm f1.4 is exceptional, and I would even go so far as to say it feels more sturdy and durable than the Canon branded equivalent, the Canon 50mm f1.4. The Sigma 50mm prime is a lens that is built to last.

Another thing to note about the Sigma 50mm f1.4 is the image quality, which is simply awesome. Colours are bright and vivid, but not oversaturated, distortion (both barrel and pin cushioning) is well controlled) and there is sharpness from the centre of the frame to the edges.

Out of all the Sigma lenses for Canon the 50mm f1.4 is a "must have" lens and one that all photographers should have in their kit bag.

Sigma lenses for Canon - 105mm f2.8 EX DG OS Macro lens

Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens

If you are looking for macro Sigma lenses for canon my recommendation is the Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG OS macro lens. The working distance of the Sigma 105mm macro lens, i.e. the distance between the lens and the subject, is more than sufficient to capture macro and close up images of insects and mini beasts. The optical stabilisation helps to ensure tack sharp shots each and every time, even handheld shots, which is another useful feature when taking macro images of insects.

The image quality of the Sigma 105mm f2.8 is awesome, and photographs are clear, bright, colourful (but not oversaturated) and tack sharp. The Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG OS macro truly is an excellent macro lens and a real contender to the Canon branded 100mm macro lens.

This lens is one of the most versatile Sigma lenses for Canon cameras as it can be used for other genres than macro, including portrait photography, photo journalism, street photography and as a general walkabout lens.

Sigma lenses for Canon - 70mm - 200mm f2.8 APO EX HSM

Sigma 70mm - 200mm f2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM

When it comes to standard zoom Sigma lenses for Canon cameras the most useful is the 70mm - 200mm, and the best of the bunch is the Sigma 70mm - 20mm f2.8 APO EX HSM OS.

This 70mm - 200mm lens has a maximum wide aperture of f2.8 throughout the entire focal length, which makes it perfect for sports photography (both indoor and outdoor), general indoor photography and low light photography. This lens also features optical stabilisation to ensure that each and every image is tack sharp and not plagued by camera shake. The HSM motor is super quiet and super quick, which means you will lock on the subject in no time, even if it is moving.

The build quality of the 70mm - 200mm f2.8 is superb, and I can only describe it as bullet proof. This is a lens that is built to last. The image quality of the Sigma 70mm - 200mm f2.8 APO EX HSM is great and it is capable of capturing some awesome images. Barrel distortion and pin cushioning is not a problem with this lens.

The 70mm - 200mm lens is ideal for sports photography, street photography, photojournalism, landscape and just about any other genre you can think of. If you want one of the best Sigma lenses for Canon the Sigma 70mm - 200mm f2.8 should be top of your list.

Sigma lenses for Canon - 150mm - 500mm telephoto lens

Sigma 150mm - 500mm f5 - 6.3 APO DG OS

If you are looking for one of the long reach zoom Sigma lenses for Cano cameras the 150mm - 500mm f5 - 6.3 APO DG OS lens is the lens for you. This zoom lens is a staggering 500mm at the long end, which on a crop sensor Canon camera is the equivalent of a 800mm lens! The first thing to note about this lens is that it is designed for use in good light, i.e. outside. If you try and use this lens indoors without a tripod or for indoor sports photography you are going to be very disappointed with the images. However, use this lens outside in good light and I think you will be surprised by the image quality of the Sigma 150mm - 500mm lens. The image quality of this lens is very good and the optical stabilisation helps to ensure tack sharp shots time and time again.

Another thing to note about the 150mm - 500mm lens is its size. This is a big and heavy lens, but when you consider the focal length this is not really surprising. If you use a good quality harness or shoulder strap you shouldn't have too many problems carrying it around.

The 150mm - 500mm Sigma lenses for Canon is a viable alternative to the Canon 100 - 400 lens. Whilst the Sigma may not be as wide at the short end it is much greater at the long end, which is where you usually need it for sports photography.

Overall the Sigma 150mm - 500mm is a great sports photography lens and one of the Sigma lenses for Canon cameras to buy if you have a passion for outdoor sports photography.

Full line up of Canon lenses

If you want to view the entire range of Canon lenses, both prime and zoom, in one convenient place please click here

Affiliate disclosure

EdwardJames81is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for site to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, endless.com, smallparts.com or myhabit.com.

If you have any comments, rants or raves please feel free to note them in my guestbook. Similarly, if you know of any other top Sigma lenses for Canon please share them.

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