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 Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC 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 AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR is the longer of the two lenses at 363mm. The Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM with a length of 252mm, is 111mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR also has a larger diameter of 128mm 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 1720g (49%) lighter than the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR which has a weight of 3500g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 86mm whereas the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR has a 41mm 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 41mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC 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 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA 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 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
225 - 750mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR has a focal range of 180-400mm and 2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 270 - 600mm.