The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport and the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF 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. Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport is the longer of the two lenses at 380mm. The Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR with a length of 237mm, is 143mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport also has a larger diameter of 145mm compared to the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR's 61mm 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 AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR weighs 1460g, 55% (1850g) lighter than the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport's weight of 3310g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR has a 95mm 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 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport:
And these are the 95mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport and the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR 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 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport is also available in Sigma SA and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
500mm but while Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport has the fastest aperture of
F4, the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR's widest aperture value is
F5.6.