The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM and the Nikon 24-120mm f4G 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. Nikon 24-120mm f4G ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 104mm. The Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM with a length of 92mm, is 12mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 84mm.
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 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM weighs 565g, which means it is 145g (20%) lighter than the Nikon 24-120mm f4G ED VR which has a weight of 710g.
Filter Threads
Both the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM and the Nikon 24-120mm f4G ED VR have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Nikon 24-120mm f4G ED VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM has a focal range of 17-50mm and
2.9X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
25.5-75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon 24-120mm f4G ED VR has a focal range of 24-120mm and 5.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 36 - 180mm.