The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM and the Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED 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 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 106mm. The Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED with a length of 83mm, is 23mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED has a larger diameter of 83mm compared to the Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM's 75mm 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. Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED weighs 370g, 33% (185g) lighter than the Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM's weight of 555g.
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM has a focal range of 8-16mm and
2.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
12-24mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED has a focal range of 18-35mm and 1.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 27 - 52.5mm.