The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN and the Sony 300mm F2.8 G SSM II 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. Sony 300mm F2.8 G SSM II is the longer of the two lenses at 243mm. The Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN with a length of 236mm, is 7mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony 300mm F2.8 G SSM II also has a larger diameter of 122mm compared to the Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN's 108mm 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 500mm f5.6 DG DN weighs 1365g, which means it is 935g (40%) lighter than the Sony 300mm F2.8 G SSM II which has a weight of 2300g.
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Sony 300mm F2.8 G SSM II has the Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount.
Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN is also available in the Leica L mount.
Focal Range
Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN 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 Sony 300mm F2.8 G SSM II 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.
