The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II and the Olympus ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 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 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is the longer of the two lenses at 184mm. The Olympus ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 with a length of 127mm, is 57mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II also has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Olympus ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6's 80mm 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. Olympus ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 weighs 620g, 55% (770g) lighter than the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II's weight of 1390g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Olympus ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 has a 58mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Olympus ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II and the Olympus ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 has the same Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Four Thirds lenses are Olympus E-5, Olympus E-600 and Olympus E-620.
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has a focal range of 70-200mm and
2.9X zoom ratio .
On the other hand, the Olympus ED 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 has a focal range of 70-300mm and 4.3X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 140-600mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.