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 300mm f2.8G 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. Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 291mm. The Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II with a length of 268mm, is 23mm 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. Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II weighs 2900g, 1% (50g) lighter than the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM's weight of 2950g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 105mm whereas the Nikon 300mm f2.8G 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 300mm f2.8G ED VR II:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM has the Sigma SA lens mount whereas the Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill for the Sigma SA Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is also available in the Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 120-300mm and
2.5X zoom ratio .
On the other hand, the Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED VR II is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 300mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 450mm.
