The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS and the Panasonic 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 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 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS is the longer of the two lenses at 197mm. The Panasonic 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 with a length of 172mm, is 25mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Panasonic 100-400mm F4.0-6.3's 83mm diameter.
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Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS and Panasonic 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.
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. Panasonic 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 weighs 985g, 13% (150g) lighter than the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS's weight of 1135g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Panasonic 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 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 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Panasonic 100-400mm F4.0-6.3:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS has the Leica L lens mount whereas the Panasonic 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 has the Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Leica SL3, Panasonic S5 II and Panasonic S5 II X for the Leica L Mount and OM System OM-1 II, Panasonic G9 II and OM System OM-5 for the Micro Four Thirds Mount.
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS is also available in Sony E and Fujifilm X mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
100-400mm but while Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS has the fastest aperture of
F5-6.3, the Panasonic 100-400mm F4.0-6.3's widest aperture value is
F4.0 - F6.3.