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 EX DG OS HSM and the Nikon 70-200mm 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 EX DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 289mm. The Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II with a length of 209mm, is 80mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 114mm compared to the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II's 87mm 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. Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II weighs 1540g, 47% (1410g) lighter than the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM's weight of 2950g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a filter size of 105mm whereas the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II has a 77mm 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 EX DG OS HSM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has the Canon EF lens mount whereas the Nikon 70-200mm 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 Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is also available in the Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX 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 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
192 - 480mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105 - 300mm.
