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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR vs Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM

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Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR

Telephoto Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR
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Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM

Telephoto Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
CHECK PRICE

BUY from B&H PHOTO

Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR vs Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR and Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM, two Telephoto Zoom lenses from Nikon and Sigma. Both cameras have the same focal length and max apertures of 120-300mm focal range and a max aperture of F2.8 so they are very comparable in this regard.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR Key Specs

  • 120-300mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 112mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 3250g.
  • Diameter: 128mm
  • Length: 304mm

Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM Key Specs

  • 120-300mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 105mm
  • Max Format:
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 2600g.
  • Diameter: 113mm
  • Length: 271mm
  • Min Focus Distance:2.5m
  • Max Magnification:0.12x

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor 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 EX DG HSM with a length of 271mm is 33mm 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 Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM's 113mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM weighs 2600g, 25% (650g) lighter than the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR's weight of 3250g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.

Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
544mm
157mm 5880g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G Lens Nikon 70-300mm f4-5.6G
117mm
74mm 425g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR Lens Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR
171mm
91mm 1340g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR Lens Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR
144mm
80mm 745g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC
258mm
106mm 1951g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II Lens Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II
209mm
87mm 1540g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S
290mm
121mm 2860g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro Lens Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG
122mm
77mm 550g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR and Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM 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 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF and Sigma SA mounts.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 120-300mm and the fastest aperture of F2.8.

Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR over Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM

Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Minimum Focus Distance m vs 2.5m can focus closer to the subject
Reasons to choose Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM over Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Weight 2600g vs 3250g 650g lighter
Diameter 113mm vs 128mm 15mm smaller in diameter
Length 271mm vs 304mm 33mm shorter
Filter Thread 105mm vs 112mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Max Magnification 0.12x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR and Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR vs Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
Brand Nikon Sigma
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 120-300mm 120-300mm
Image Stabilization Yes No
Colour Unknown Unknown
Zoom Method No Zoom Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom No -
Zoom Lock - -
Zoom Ratio 2.5X 2.5X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F2.8
Min Aperture F32.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades unknown 9
Optics
Optical Elements unknown 18
Optical Groups unknown 16
Focusing
Min Focus Distance unknown 2.5m
Max Magnification unknown 0.12X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type unknown Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale Unknown Yes
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale Unknown Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Yes Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 3250g 2600g
Diameter 128mm 113mm
Length 304mm 271mm
Materials Unknown metal mount
Weather Sealing Yes No
Filter Thread 112mm 105mm
Filter Notes - does not rotate on focusing
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar Unknown Yes
Optional Accessories - -
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