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 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 544mm. The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG with a length of 122mm, is 422mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 157mm compared to the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG's 77mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG weighs 550g, 90% (5330g) lighter than the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM's weight of 5880g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has the same Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sigma SA lenses are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill.
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA, Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM has a focal range of 300-800mm and 2.7X zoom ratio . Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has a focal range of 70-300mm and 4.3X zoom ratio .