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 Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED 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 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 215mm. The Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED with a length of 184mm, is 31mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 119mm compared to the Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED's 83mm 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. Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED weighs 1070g, 55% (1330g) lighter than the Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM's weight of 2400g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED 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 Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM has the Pentax KAF lens mount whereas the Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED has the Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF Mount and , and for the Pentax KAF2 Mount.
Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), 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 Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED's widest aperture value is
F4.0.