The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR and the Sigma 105mm F1.4 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. Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 237mm. The Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM with a length of 132mm, is 105mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM has a larger diameter of 116mm compared to the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR's 61mm 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 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR weighs 1460g, which means it is 185g (11%) lighter than the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM which has a weight of 1645g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR has a filter size of 95mm whereas the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM has a 105mm 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 AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR:
And these are the 105mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR and the Sigma 105mm F1.4 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 105mm F1.4 DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Sigma SA and Sony E mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
750mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 105mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 157.5mm.