The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM 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 F4.5 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 350mm. The Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM with a length of 215mm, is 135mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 123mm compared to the Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM's 119mm 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 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM weighs 2400g, 23% (750g) lighter than the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM's weight of 3150g.
Filter Threads
Both the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM have the same Filter thread size of 46mm.
Below are links to the 46mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM has the same Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Pentax KAF lenses are Pentax K-3 III Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III.
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Nikon F (FX) and Sigma SA mounts.
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
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM 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.
On the other hand, the Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 300mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 450mm.
