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:
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 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 the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR's 108mm 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 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.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR has a filter size of 95mm 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 95mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED 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
Both lenses have the same focal range of
200-500mm but while Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR has the fastest aperture of
F5.6, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG's widest aperture value is
F2.8.