The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD and the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM 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 F4.5 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 350mm. The Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD with a length of 227mm, is 123mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 123mm compared to the Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD'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. Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD weighs 1237g, which means it is 1913g (60%) lighter than the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM which has a weight of 3150g.
Filter Threads
The Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD has a filter size of 86mm whereas the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM 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 86mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD:
And these are the 46mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
The Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD has the Sony Alpha lens mount whereas the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM has the Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount and Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill for the Sigma SA Mount.
Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD is also available in the Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX) and Pentax KAF mounts.
Focal Range
Tamron 200-500mm f5-6.3 LD has a focal range of 200-500mm and
2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
300 - 750mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm.
