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Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM — Prime/zoom
Canon

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

Prime/zoom

92
/ 100
From $2,099
VS
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — Prime/Zoom
Sigma

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Prime/Zoom

92
/ 100
From $1,199
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lands at 92 and Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sharpness

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Build

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Compared on the build sub-score

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art leads on build (94 vs 90).

Autofocus

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art leads on af (91 vs 88).

Value for money

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art more score per dollar ($1,199 vs $2,099).

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM 92
vs
92 Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Score breakdown

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
92
sharpness 92
af 88
build 90
value 86
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
92
sharpness 92
af 91
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM versus Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — full spec comparison
Spec Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

FAQ: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM vs Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Which is better, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM or Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art? +

Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM worth the price? +

At $2,099, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art worth the price? +

At $1,199, Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in build.

Does Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM or Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for build, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM or Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art? +

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — leads on build (94 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM or Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art? +

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — leads on af (91 vs 88). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.