The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD and the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II 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 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is the longer of the two lenses at 184mm. The Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD with a length of 117mm, is 67mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II also has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD's 77mm 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. Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD weighs 435g, which means it is 955g (68%) lighter than the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II which has a weight of 1390g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II 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 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II:
Lens Mounts
Both the Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD and the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II.
Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX) and Pentax KAF mounts.
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II is also available in Canon EF , Four Thirds, Pentax KAF3, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Tamron AF 70-300mm f4-5.6 LD has a focal range of 70-300mm and
4.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
105 - 450mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM II has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105 - 300mm.