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 Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is the longer of the two lenses at 184mm. The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG with a length of 122mm, is 62mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II also has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG's 77mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG weighs 550g, which means it is 840g (60%) lighter than the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II which has a weight of 1390g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG and the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has the same Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sigma SA lenses are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill.
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.
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is also available in Canon EF , Four Thirds, Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has a focal range of 70-300mm and 4.3X zoom ratio . Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio .