The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM and the Nikon 300mm f4E PF 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. Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR is the longer of the two lenses at 148mm. The Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM with a length of 115mm, is 33mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM has a larger diameter of 91mm compared to the Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR's 89mm 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 300mm f4E PF VR weighs 750g, 33% (380g) lighter than the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM's weight of 1130g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR 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 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM and the Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR 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 135mm F1.8 DG HSM is also available in Sigma SA , Canon EF and Sony E mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 135mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
202.5mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR 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.