The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR and the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS 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 Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR is the longer of the two lenses at 222mm. The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM with a length of 182mm, is 40mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR also has a larger diameter of 98mm compared to the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM's 86mm 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. Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM weighs 1160g, 19% (275g) lighter than the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR's weight of 1435g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5 II and RED Komodo-X 6K Z for the Nikon Z Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is also available in Sigma SA and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
100-400mm but while Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has the fastest aperture of
F4.5-5.6, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM's widest aperture value is
F5-6.3.
