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 17-55mm f2.8G 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 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF is the longer of the two lenses at 111mm. The Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM with a length of 92mm, is 19mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM's 84mm 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 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM weighs 565g, which means it is 190g (25%) lighter than the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF which has a weight of 755g.
Filter Threads
Both the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM and the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF 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 Sigma SA lens mount whereas the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sigma SD1 Merrill, Sigma SD1 and for the Sigma SA Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Nikon F (DX) 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 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF has a focal range of 17-55mm and 3.2X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 25.5-82.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
