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 and the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM 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 150-500mm F5-6.3 is the longer of the two lenses at 252mm. The Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II with a length of 196mm, is 56mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 95mm.
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. Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II weighs 1500g, 15% (280g) lighter than the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3's weight of 1780g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 has a filter size of 86mm whereas the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM 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 86mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount whereas the Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II has the Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Pentax K-3 III Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF3 Mount and Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount.
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 is also available in the Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 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 Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II has a focal range of 70-400mm and 5.7X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105 - 600mm.