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 400mm f2.8G ED VR II 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 400mm f2.8G ED VR II with a length of 368mm, is 102mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 300-600mm f4 also has a larger diameter of 167mm compared to the Nikon 400mm f2.8G ED VR II's 160mm 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 300-600mm f4 weighs 3970g, which means it is 650g (14%) lighter than the Nikon 400mm f2.8G ED VR II which has a weight of 4620g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 300-600mm f4 has a filter size of 41mm whereas the Nikon 400mm f2.8G ED VR II has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 41mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 300-600mm f4:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 400mm f2.8G ED VR II:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 300-600mm f4 has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Nikon 400mm f2.8G ED VR II 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 400mm f2.8G ED VR II is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 400mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 600mm.
