The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM 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 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 252mm. The Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM with a length of 219mm, is 33mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a larger diameter of 104mm compared to the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM's 95mm 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. Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM weighs 1780g, which means it is 190g (9%) lighter than the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM which has a weight of 1970g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 86mm whereas the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a 95mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 86mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 95mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM is also available in Pentax KAF3 , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 150-500mm and
3.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
240 - 800mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 50-500mm and 10.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 80 - 800mm.