The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM and the Nikon 70-200mm f4G ED VR 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 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 203mm. The Nikon 70-200mm f4G ED VR with a length of 179mm, is 24mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 92mm compared to the Nikon 70-200mm f4G ED VR's 78mm 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 f4G ED VR weighs 850g, 48% (790g) lighter than the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM's weight of 1640g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Nikon 70-200mm f4G ED VR has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 70-200mm f4G ED VR:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM has the Sigma SA lens mount whereas the Nikon 70-200mm f4G ED VR 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 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM is also available in the Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 120-400mm and
3.3X zoom ratio .
On the other hand, the Nikon 70-200mm f4G ED VR 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.
