The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG 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. Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR is the longer of the two lenses at 304mm. The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM with a length of 291mm, is 13mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR also has a larger diameter of 128mm compared to the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM's 124mm 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. Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM weighs 2950g, 9% (300g) lighter than the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR's weight of 3250g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR has a filter size of 112mm whereas the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM has a 105mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 112mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR:
And these are the 105mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is also available in Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
120-300mm and the fastest aperture of
F2.8.
