Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM vs Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM

Both are Canon EF wide zoom lenses. Here is what actually differs.

Canon · 2014

Pick the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM if

You need more reach: 35mm vs 20mm at the long end
You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM does not
You want bigger close-ups: 0.23× vs 0.15× maximum magnification
You shoot full frame: the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM is made for APS-C
You care about the shape of out-of-focus highlights: 9 aperture blades vs 6
Our notes say it suits: Landscape, architecture, handheld travel photography

Pick the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM if

You want a wider view: 10mm vs 16mm at the wide end
You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.24 m vs 0.28 m

Spec differences

13 differences

Specifications that differ between the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM and the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
	Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM	Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Brand	Canon	Sigma
Format	Full frame	APS-C
Focal length	16-35mm	10-20mm
Weight	615 g	not listed
Length	112.8 mm	not listed
Diameter	82.6 mm	not listed
Min focus distance	0.28 m	0.24 m closer
Max magnification	0.23× larger	0.15×
Aperture blades	9 more blades	6
Optical design	16 elements / 12 groups	14 elements / 10 groups
Autofocus motor	USM	HSM
Image stabilization	Yes stabilized	No
Released	2014	not listed

4 identical specs hidden: mount, type, max aperture, filter thread. Show all

Mount: Canon EF both
Type: Wide Zoom both
Max aperture: f/4 both
Filter thread: 77 mm both

Our notes

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

A stabilized wide-angle zoom with a constant f/4 aperture. Smaller and lighter than the f/2.8 versions, with a 77mm filter thread.

Pros

Image stabilization
Sharp across the frame
Lighter than the f/2.8
77mm filter thread

Cons

f/4 limits astrophotography
Less shallow depth of field
Not as fast as the f/2.8 versions

Our notes

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM

A 10-20mm f/4-5.6 APS-C wide-angle zoom lens, the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM is designed for Canon EF mount bodies, with Hyper Sonic Motor autofocus. It covers wide angles for landscapes, interiors and architecture.