The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S and the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG 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 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is the longer of the two lenses at 726mm. The Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S with a length of 220mm, is 506mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG also has a larger diameter of 237mm compared to the Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S's 89mm 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 70-200 F2.8 VR S weighs 1440g, which means it is 14260g (90%) lighter than the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG which has a weight of 15700g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a 72mm 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 70-200 F2.8 VR S:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG 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 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is also available in Sigma SA and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S has a focal range of 70-200mm and
2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
105 - 300mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a focal range of 200-500mm 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 300 - 750mm.
