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 Sigma 500mm F4.5 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. Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 350mm. The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM with a length of 182mm, is 168mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 123mm 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 1990g (63%) lighter than the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM which has a weight of 3150g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has a 46mm 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 46mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has the same Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sigma SA lenses are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill.
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is also available in the Nikon F (FX) and Canon EF mounts.
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX) and Pentax KAF mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 100-400mm and
4.0X zoom ratio .
On the other hand, the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm.
