The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG and the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM 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 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM with a length of 203mm, is 523mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG also has a larger diameter of 237mm compared to the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM's 92mm 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 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM weighs 1640g, 89% (14060g) lighter than the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG's weight of 15700g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM 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 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG and the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM has the same Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sigma SA lenses are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill.
Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is also available in the Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a focal range of 200-500mm and
2.5X zoom ratio .
On the other hand, the Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 120-400mm and 3.3X zoom ratio .
