The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 and the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 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 150-500mm F5-6.3 is the longer of the two lenses at 252mm. The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 with a length of 205mm, is 47mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 also has a larger diameter of 95mm compared to the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6's 94mm 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. Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 weighs 1395g, which means it is 385g (21%) lighter than the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 which has a weight of 1780g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 has a 86mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6:
And these are the 86mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Pentax K-3 III Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF3 Mount.
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 has a focal range of 100-400mm and
4.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
150 - 600mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 has a focal range of 150-500mm and 3.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 225 - 750mm.
