The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM and the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 268mm. The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM with a length of 108mm is 160mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR also has a larger diameter of 108mm compared to Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM's 88mm diameter.
Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM weighs 1020g, which means it is 1280g (55%) lighter than the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR which has a weight of 2300g.
Lens Mounts
Both Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM and Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is also available in Sigma SA and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 24-70mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 36 - 105mm.
Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR has a focal range of 200-500mm and 2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 300 - 750mm.