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 OS HSM 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. Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 197mm. The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG with a length of 122mm, is 75mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 86mm 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 880g (61%) lighter than the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM which has a weight of 1430g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has a filter size of 58mm whereas the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a 77mm 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 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG and the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM 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, Sigma SA, Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF and Sony Alpha mounts.
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF3 and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has a focal range of 70-300mm and
4.3X zoom ratio .
On the other hand, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio .