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 Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 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 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS is the longer of the two lenses at 197mm. The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG with a length of 122mm, is 75mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG's 77mm 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 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG weighs 550g, 51% (585g) 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 Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has a 58mm 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 58mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has the Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill for the Sigma SA Mount.
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS is also available in the Leica L and Fujifilm X mounts.
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA, Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS 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 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has a focal range of 70-300mm and 4.3X zoom ratio .