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 Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF 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 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 544mm. The Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II with a length of 352mm, is 192mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II has a larger diameter of 160mm 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. Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II weighs 4800g, 18% (1080g) lighter than the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM's weight of 5880g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF 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 46mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II 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 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in the Sigma SA and Canon EF 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 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
450 - 1200mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF 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.
