The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM and the Nikon 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G ED VR for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 109mm. The Nikon 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G ED VR with a length of 82mm, is 27mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to the Nikon 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G ED VR's 78mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G ED VR weighs 485g, 45% (400g) lighter than the Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM's weight of 885g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Nikon 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G ED VR has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G ED VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM and the Nikon 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G ED VR has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM is also available in Canon EF , Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 24-105mm and
4.4X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
36 - 157.5mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G ED VR has a focal range of 24-85mm and 3.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 36 - 127.5mm.