When you have a Canon full-frame DSLR, the lens you will use with it needs to be extremely sharp. However, you should expect more from a decent lens than its level of detail.
Good handling and quick and accurate autofocus are also important when capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments. Similarly, an effective image stabilization system may prove to be a game-changer if you prefer to shoot handheld.
Sigma lenses for Canon DSLR cameras should resist ghosting and flaring, show minimal distortion and color fringing, and produce excellent contrast and colors. Although, there are several aspects of image quality that can be corrected using in-camera settings or with post-processing software, preventing the problems in the first place is the preferred choice.
Additionally, it’s important to note that Sigma classifies its APS-C format lenses as DC, so you will need Sigma’s DG lenses for a full-frame Canon DSLR. Therefore in this round-up, we have only focused on the best DG lenses from Sigma. Here are our recommendations for you:
1. Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports (Overall Winner)
For professionals and enthusiasts, the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports has long been the telephoto optic of choice with a classic zoom range and aperture rating. Even though Canon has released its own third-generation image-stabilized lens, it’s awfully expensive to buy.
This state-of-the-art competitor from Sigma edges ahead of Canon in terms of image sharpness and offers a ton of more exotic features. For instance, it allows you to switch autofocus to either auto-priority or manual-priority mode and incorporates autofocus-hold/on controls around the mid-section of the lens along with two custom modes.
The minimum focusing distance of the lens is 1.2 meters, and it offers up to four stops of image correction. You can set and customize a lot of these parameters using Sigma’s optional USB Dock. The effect of stabilization in the viewfinder image can be increased or decreased and the autofocus speed and range can be altered.
The only downsides to the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens are its heavy weight and a non-removable tripod mount ring.
2. Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art
In terms of performance, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art comes in pretty close to the more expensive Canon version, but it’s being offered for about half the price. This lens maintains incredible sharpness across the frame, even when shooting wide-open at f/2.8. For an ultra-wide zoom, distortions are unlikely, and color fringing is almost negligible.
The autofocus features an Ultrasonic motor, meaning it’s fast and accurate. The sophisticatedly-designed optics are enclosed in an extremely well-constructed and fully weather-sealed body.
This lens has the ability to give you a terrific shooting experience on your Canon DSLR, however, lack of optical stabilization might be a disappointment when shooting handheld.
3. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art is another fabulous lens for Canon DSLRs that offers excellent performance and handling. Key features of this lens include its outstanding build quality, quick and extremely quiet autofocus mechanism, and reliable four-stop optical stabilization system.
Sharpness and contrast are spectacular with the nine-bladed diaphragm delivering a well-rounded and lusciously smooth bokeh.
This constant-aperture standard zoom lens from Sigma is a direct competitor against Canon’s EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, which is aimed at professional photographers but lacks image stabilization and isn’t particularly good value for money. The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8, on the other hand, matches its all-round performance and image quality with a price that is significantly lower.
4. Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
With a new design, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art sets a new standard for the Sigma Art line. It’s a wonderful portrait lens for your Canon DSLR.
The autofocus is super-fast and relatively quiet. Of course, its price is a little higher than you might like, but it comes with unmatched quality. Results come out looking great for both wide apertures and close-up shots, making it an extremely versatile lens for Canon DSLRs.
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 excels when it comes to image quality and all-round performance. Featuring Sigma’s advanced and complex optical layout with one aspherical and three SLD elements, it provides extreme resistance against color fringing, distortion, and vignetting. Center sharpness is amazing and its nine-bladed diaphragm maintains a pleasing bokeh.
This Sigma lens for Canon DSLRs is one of the most commonly used lenses among product and wedding photography professionals.
5. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary (Budget Winner)
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports must be our favored super-telephoto zoom lens for Canon DSLRs, but it’s massive and weighs in at almost 3kg, which makes handheld shooting difficult.
Its ‘Contemporary’ version, however, is more compact with nearly a kilogram less in weight and about half the price. Mounted on full-frame bodies it can stretch up to a whopping 600mm while delivering an effective focal length of 960mm on APS-C cameras.
Lenses with this kind of range are needed for wildlife subjects, long-range sports events, and aviation photography.
This ‘Contemporary’ lens features a four-stop image stabilizer and reliable autofocus mechanism, driven by an Ultrasonic (ring-type) motor.
Unlike the ‘Sports’ version, it isn’t extensively weather-sealed, but it’s solidly built and offers almost the same image sharpness, features, and controls. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is the best buy for many of us.
Final Thoughts on Sigma Lenses for Canon DSLRs
With this list for the best Sigma lenses for Canon DSLRs, it’s no longer a daunting task for you to choose the right Sigma lens for your Canon camera. Not only does this list provide precise and detailed information about the best Sigma lenses but it also discusses their key features and advantages.
However, it’s important to know your preferences before selecting a lens. All of them offer great quality, durability, and versatility at reasonable prices compared to their Canon rivals. We’re sure that choosing any of these lenses would be a great decision for your photography career.
