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 an important deciding factor 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 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 195g (26%) lighter than the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR which has a weight of 745g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG and the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR 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 Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA, Canon EF, 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.