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 500mm f4D 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 500mm f4D ED-IF II with a length of 394mm, is 150mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 157mm compared to the Nikon 500mm f4D ED-IF II's 140mm 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 500mm f4D ED-IF II weighs 3800g, 35% (2080g) 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 500mm f4D 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 500mm f4D ED-IF II:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the Nikon 500mm f4D 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 500mm f4D ED-IF II is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 750mm.
