The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 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 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM with a length of 89mm, is 22mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM's 74mm 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 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM weighs 395g, which means it is 360g (47%) lighter than the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF which has a weight of 755g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF 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 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM and the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF has the same Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (DX) lenses are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600.
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM has a focal range of 18-50mm and
2.8X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
27-75mm 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.
