The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 300-600mm f4 and the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC 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. Sigma 300-600mm f4 is the longer of the two lenses at 470mm. The Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR with a length of 363mm, is 107mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 300-600mm f4 also has a larger diameter of 167mm compared to the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR's 128mm 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. Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR weighs 3500g, 11% (470g) lighter than the Sigma 300-600mm f4's weight of 3970g.
Filter Threads
Both the Sigma 300-600mm f4 and the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR have the same Filter thread size of 41mm.
Below are links to the 41mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 300-600mm f4 has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Sigma 300-600mm f4 is also available in the Leica L mount.
Focal Range
Sigma 300-600mm f4 has a focal range of 300-600mm and
2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
450 - 900mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR has a focal range of 180-400mm and 2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 270 - 600mm.
