The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG 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 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 521mm. The Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM with a length of 350mm, is 171mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 157mm compared to the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM's 123mm 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 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM weighs 3150g, 35% (1750g) lighter than the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM's weight of 4900g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for size comparison purposes.
Super Telephoto Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
Both the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM have the same Filter thread size of 46mm.
Below are links to the 46mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG 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 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in the Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX) and Pentax KAF mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 800mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm.
