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 Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS 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 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 219mm. The Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II with a length of 184mm, is 35mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 104mm compared to the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II's 87mm 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 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II weighs 1390g, which means it is 580g (29%) lighter than the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM which has a weight of 1970g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a 95mm 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 95mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is also available in the Canon EF , Four Thirds, Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM is also available in 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 . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
105 - 300mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 50-500mm and 10.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 80 - 800mm.
