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
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider 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 the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM's 88mm 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 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.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR has a 95mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 95mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM and the 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 a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
36 - 105mm.
On the other hand, the 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 a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 300 - 750mm.