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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR vs Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG

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Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR

Telephoto Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR
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Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG

Telephoto Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG
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BUY from B&H PHOTO

Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR vs Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR and Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG, two Telephoto Zoom lenses from Nikon and Sigma. Both lenses have the same focal range of 200-500mm but different max apertures: Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR has a max aperture of F5.6 while the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a max aperture of F2.8.

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 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Key Specs

  • 200-500mm Focal Range
  • F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Filter Thread: 95mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 2300g.
  • Diameter: 108mm
  • Length: 268mm
  • Min Focus Distance:2.2m
  • Max Magnification:0.22x

Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG Key Specs

  • 200-500mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 72mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 15700g.
  • Diameter: 237mm
  • Length: 726mm
  • Min Focus Distance:5m
  • Max Magnification:0.13x

What type of photography are the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR and Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR and the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG
Bird/WildlifeVery GoodVery Good
SportsVery GoodVery Good
PortraitFairFair
TravelPoorPoor
StreetPoorPoor
WeddingFairFair
Walk AroundFairFair
VloggingPoorPoor
LandscapeFairFair
MacroFairPoor

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is the longer of the two lenses at 726mm. The Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR with a length of 268mm is 458mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG also has a larger diameter of 237mm compared to Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR's 108mm 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. Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR weighs 2300g, which means it is 13400g (85%) 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.

Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
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
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-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 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR and 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

Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR over Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG

Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Weight 2300g vs 15700g 13400g lighter
Diameter 108mm vs 237mm 129mm smaller in diameter
Length 268mm vs 726mm 458mm shorter
Minimum Focus Distance 2.2m vs 5m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.22x vs 0.13x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG over Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR

Max Aperture - Wide 2.8 vs 5.6 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2.8 vs 5.6 Wider aperture at tele end
Filter Thread 72mm vs 95mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find

Common Strengths of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR and Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Common Weaknesses of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR and Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust



**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 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR vs Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
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 200-500mm 200-500mm
Image Stabilization Yes No
Colour Black Unknown
Zoom Method Rotary (extending) No Zoom
Power Zoom - Yes
Zoom Lock Yes -
Zoom Ratio 2.5X 2.5X
Aperture
Max Aperture F5.6 F2.8
Min Aperture F32.0 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 19 17
Optical Groups 12 13
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 2.2m 5m
Max Magnification 0.22X 0.13X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale Yes Unknown
DoF Scale No Unknown
Distance Scale Yes Unknown
Focus Distance Limiter Yes Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 2300g 15700g
Diameter 108mm 237mm
Length 268mm 726mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing No Unknown
Filter Thread 95mm 72mm
Filter Notes - Rear holder for 72mm filters
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar Yes Yes
Optional Accessories - Matched 2x teleconverter
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