The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM and the Nikon 180mm f2.8D ED-IF 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 180mm f2.8D ED-IF is the longer of the two lenses at 144mm. The Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM with a length of 137mm, is 7mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to the Nikon 180mm f2.8D ED-IF's 79mm 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 180mm f2.8D ED-IF weighs 760g, 15% (135g) lighter than the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM's weight of 895g.
Filter Threads
Both the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM and the Nikon 180mm f2.8D ED-IF have the same Filter thread size of 72mm.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM and the Nikon 180mm f2.8D ED-IF 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 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM is also available in Canon EF , Four Thirds and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 150mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
225mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 180mm f2.8D ED-IF is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 180mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 270mm.