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 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 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 Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR is the longer of the two lenses at 222mm. The Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM with a length of 203mm, is 19mm 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 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM's 92mm 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 Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR weighs 1435g, which means it is 205g (12%) lighter than the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM which has a weight of 1640g.
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR and the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM has the Pentax KAF3 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 Pentax K-3 III Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF3 Mount.
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM is also available in Sony Alpha mount.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has a focal range of 100-400mm and
4.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
150 - 600mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM has a focal range of 120-400mm and 3.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 180 - 600mm.
