The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR and the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG 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 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is the longer of the two lenses at 726mm. The Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR with a length of 363mm, is 363mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG also has a larger diameter of 237mm compared to the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR's 128mm 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 AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR weighs 3500g, which means it is 12200g (77%) lighter than the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG which has a weight of 15700g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR has a filter size of 41mm whereas the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG 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 41mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR and the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG 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 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is also available in Sigma SA and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR has a focal range of 180-400mm and
2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
270 - 600mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a focal range of 200-500mm and 2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 300 - 750mm.