The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM and the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport 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 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport is the longer of the two lenses at 380mm. The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM with a length of 359mm, is 21mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM has a larger diameter of 158mm compared to the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport's 145mm 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 400mm F2.8 GM weighs 2895g, which means it is 415g (12%) lighter than the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport which has a weight of 3310g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM has a filter size of 41mm whereas the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport has a 46mm 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 400mm F2.8 GM:
And these are the 46mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport 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.
Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport is also available in Sigma SA and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 400mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
600mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 750mm.
