The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM and the Nikon 300mm f4D ED-IF 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. Nikon 300mm f4D ED-IF is the longer of the two lenses at 223mm. The Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM with a length of 215mm, is 8mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM has a larger diameter of 119mm compared to the Nikon 300mm f4D ED-IF's 90mm 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 300mm f4D ED-IF weighs 1440g, 40% (960g) lighter than the Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM's weight of 2400g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Nikon 300mm f4D ED-IF has a 77mm 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 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 300mm f4D ED-IF:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM and the Nikon 300mm f4D ED-IF 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 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
300mm but while Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM has the fastest aperture of
F2.8, the Nikon 300mm f4D ED-IF's widest aperture value is
F4.0.