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 Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 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. Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is the longer of the two lenses at 184mm. The Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II with a length of 136mm, is 48mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II also has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II'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. Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II weighs 750g, 46% (640g) lighter than the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II's weight of 1390g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II has a 62mm 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 62mm filters that we recommend for the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II and the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II.
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is also available in the Canon EF , Four Thirds, Pentax KAF3, 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 Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II has a focal range of 70-300mm and 4.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105 - 450mm.
