The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM and the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED VR II 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 200-400mm f4G ED VR II is the longer of the two lenses at 366mm. The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM with a length of 291mm, is 75mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 124mm.
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 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM weighs 2950g, which means it is 410g (12%) lighter than the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED VR II which has a weight of 3360g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 105mm whereas the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED VR II 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 105mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED VR II:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM and the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED VR II 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 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is also available in the Canon EF and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 120-300mm and
2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
180 - 450mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED VR II has a focal range of 200-400mm and 2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 300 - 600mm.
