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 DC DN C RF and the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG 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 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is the longer of the two lenses at 726mm. The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN C RF with a length of 75mm, is 651mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG also has a larger diameter of 237mm compared to the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN C RF's 69mm 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 DC DN C RF weighs 300g, which means it is 15400g (98%) lighter than the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG which has a weight of 15700g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN C RF has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN C RF:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN C RF has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has the Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R50 V, Canon R100 and Canon R50 for the Canon RF Mount and Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill for the Sigma SA Mount.
Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN C RF has a focal range of 18-50mm and
2.8X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
28.8-80mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a focal range of 200-500mm and 2.5X zoom ratio .
