The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM and the Nikon 500mm f4G ED 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. Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 391mm. The Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM with a length of 219mm, is 172mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR also has a larger diameter of 140mm compared to the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM's 104mm 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. Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM weighs 1970g, which means it is 1910g (49%) lighter than the Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR which has a weight of 3880g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 95mm whereas the Nikon 500mm f4G ED 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 95mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount whereas the Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are , and for the Pentax KAF3 Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM is also available in Canon EF , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 50-500mm and
10.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
75 - 750mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR 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.