The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S and the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF 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 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S is the longer of the two lenses at 290mm. The Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR with a length of 237mm, is 53mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S also has a larger diameter of 121mm compared to the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR's 106mm 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 AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR weighs 1460g, 48% (1400g) lighter than the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S's weight of 2860g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S has a filter size of 105mm whereas the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR 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 105mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S:
And these are the 95mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S and the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED 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 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S is also available in the Canon EF and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S has a focal range of 150-600mm and
4.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
225 - 900mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 750mm.
