The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II and the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM 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 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 89mm. The Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II with a length of 66mm, is 23mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 74mm compared to the Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II's 60mm 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 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II weighs 195g, which means it is 200g (50%) lighter than the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM which has a weight of 395g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II has a filter size of 52mm whereas the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II and the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM has the same Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (DX) lenses are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600.
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II has a focal range of 18-55mm and
3.1X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
27-82.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM has a focal range of 18-50mm and 2.8X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 27-75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.