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 150-500mm F5-6.3 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 150-500mm F5-6.3 with a length of 252mm, is 98mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 123mm compared to the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3's 95mm 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 150-500mm F5-6.3 weighs 1780g, 43% (1370g) lighter than the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM's weight of 3150g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 46mm whereas the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 has a 86mm 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 F4.5 EX DG HSM:
And these are the 86mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 has the same Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sigma SA lenses are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill.
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Nikon F (FX) and Pentax KAF mounts.
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF3 and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 has a focal range of 150-500mm and 3.3X zoom ratio .
