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 DG OS HSM and the Nikon 800mm f5.6E FL ED VR 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 800mm f5.6E FL ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 461mm. The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM with a length of 182mm, is 279mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 800mm f5.6E FL ED VR also has a larger diameter of 160mm compared to the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM's 86mm 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 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM weighs 1160g, which means it is 3430g (74%) lighter than the Nikon 800mm f5.6E FL ED VR which has a weight of 4590g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Nikon 800mm f5.6E FL ED VR has a 52mm 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 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 800mm f5.6E FL ED VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the Nikon 800mm f5.6E FL ED VR has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is also available in the Sigma SA and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM 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 Nikon 800mm f5.6E FL ED VR is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 800mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 1200mm.
