The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR and the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 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. Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR is the longer of the two lenses at 316mm. The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM with a length of 271mm, is 45mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM has a larger diameter of 113mm compared to the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR's 110mm 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 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR weighs 2140g, which means it is 460g (17%) lighter than the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM which has a weight of 2600g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR has a filter size of 95mm whereas the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX 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 Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR:
And these are the 105mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG 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 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR has a focal range of 180-600mm 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
270 - 900mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM has a focal range of 120-300mm and 2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 180 - 450mm.
