The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM and the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR 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 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 102mm. The Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR with a length of 100mm, is 2mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 74mm compared to the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR's 73mm 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 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR weighs 335g, 20% (85g) lighter than the Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM's weight of 420g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR 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 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM has the Canon EF lens mount whereas the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3 for the Canon EF Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM is also available in Pentax KAF3 , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (DX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM has a focal range of 50-200mm and
4.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
80-320mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G VR has a focal range of 55-200mm and 3.6X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 82.5-300mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.