The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG 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 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM with a length of 544mm, is 182mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG also has a larger diameter of 237mm compared to the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM's 157mm 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 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM weighs 5880g, which means it is 9820g (62%) lighter than the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG which has a weight of 15700g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 46mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K.
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in the Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG is also available in Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a focal range of 300-800mm and
2.7X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
480 - 1280mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG has a focal range of 200-500mm and 2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 320 - 800mm.
