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 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G 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 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR is the longer of the two lenses at 144mm. The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG with a length of 122mm, is 22mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR also has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG's 77mm 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 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG weighs 550g, which means it is 195g (26%) lighter than the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR which has a weight of 745g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has a filter size of 58mm whereas the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 58mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has the Sigma SA lens mount whereas the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill for the Sigma SA Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
70-300mm but while Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has the fastest aperture of
F4.0 - F5.6, the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR's widest aperture value is
F4.5 - F5.6.