The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM and the Nikon 12-24mm f4G ED-IF for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 103mm. The Nikon 12-24mm f4G ED-IF with a length of 90mm, is 13mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Nikon 12-24mm f4G ED-IF's 83mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Nikon 12-24mm f4G ED-IF weighs 485g, 19% (115g) lighter than the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM's weight of 600g.
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Nikon 12-24mm f4G ED-IF has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of 12-24mm but while Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM has the fastest aperture of F4.5 - F5.6, the Nikon 12-24mm f4G ED-IF's widest aperture value is F4.0.