The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR and the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG 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. Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 521mm. The Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR with a length of 358mm, is 163mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR has a larger diameter of 160mm compared to the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM's 157mm 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 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR weighs 3800g, which means it is 1100g (22%) lighter than the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM which has a weight of 4900g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime 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 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR has a filter size of 41mm whereas the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a 46mm 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 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR:
And these are the 46mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR and the Sigma 800mm F5.6 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 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 400mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
600mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 800mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 1200mm.
