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 180mm f2.8D ED-IF 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 180mm f2.8D ED-IF 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 180mm f2.8D ED-IF also has a larger diameter of 79mm 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 210g (27%) lighter than the Nikon 180mm f2.8D ED-IF which has a weight of 760g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has a filter size of 58mm whereas the Nikon 180mm f2.8D ED-IF has a 72mm 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 72mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 180mm f2.8D ED-IF:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG and the Nikon 180mm f2.8D ED-IF has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG is also available in the Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA, Canon EF, 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 180mm f2.8D ED-IF is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 180mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 270mm.
