The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 300mm f2.8 GM and the Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR 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. Sony FE 300mm f2.8 GM is the longer of the two lenses at 264mm. The Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR with a length of 148mm, is 116mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony FE 300mm f2.8 GM also has a larger diameter of 124mm compared to the Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR's 89mm 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 300mm f4E PF VR weighs 750g, 48% (720g) lighter than the Sony FE 300mm f2.8 GM's weight of 1470g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 300mm f2.8 GM has a filter size of 41mm whereas the Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR 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 41mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony FE 300mm f2.8 GM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 300mm f2.8 GM has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR has the Nikon F (FX) 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 Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
300mm but while Sony FE 300mm f2.8 GM has the fastest aperture of
F2.8, the Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR's widest aperture value is
F4.0.
