The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG and the Nikon 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR 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. Nikon 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 123mm. The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG with a length of 122mm, is 1mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 77mm.
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. Nikon 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR weighs 530g, 3% (20g) lighter than the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG's weight of 550g.
Filter Threads
Both the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG and the Nikon 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR have the same Filter thread size of 58mm.
Below are links to the 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Nikon 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR has the Nikon F (DX) 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 Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA, Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG 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.
On the other hand, the Nikon 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR has a focal range of 55-300mm and 5.5X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 82.5-450mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.