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 f2.8G ED-IF 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. Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED-IF VR is the longer of the two lenses at 268mm. The Sony FE 300mm f2.8 GM with a length of 264mm, is 4mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 124mm.
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 300mm f2.8 GM weighs 1470g, which means it is 1380g (48%) lighter than the Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED-IF VR which has a weight of 2850g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 300mm f2.8 GM has a filter size of 41mm whereas the Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED-IF VR has a 52mm 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 52mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED-IF VR:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 300mm f2.8 GM has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Nikon 300mm f2.8G ED-IF 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 and the fastest aperture of
F2.8.
