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 Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED 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 f5.6 DG DN is the longer of the two lenses at 234mm. The Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED with a length of 184mm, is 50mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN also has a larger diameter of 108mm compared to the Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED's 83mm 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. Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED weighs 1070g, 21% (300g) lighter than the Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN's weight of 1370g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN has a filter size of 95mm whereas the Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED has a 77mm 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 500mm f5.6 DG DN:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN has the Leica L lens mount whereas the Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED has the Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Leica SL3-P, Panasonic S1 II and Panasonic S1 IIE for the Leica L Mount and , and for the Pentax KAF2 Mount.
Sigma 500mm f5.6 DG DN is also available in the Sony E 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 Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 300mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 450mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
