§ 03 Head to head

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR vs Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM

Nikon 120–300mm f/2.8 has a newer design. Sigma 120–300mm f/2.8 is 300 g lighter.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is a 120–300mm f/2.8 zoom, and the Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM is a 120–300mm f/2.8 zoom. On paper the Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

Add a third lens →
01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR better than the Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM?

  • Newer design (2020 vs 2010)

Why is the Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM better than the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR?

  • 300 g lighter (2950 g vs 3250 g)
  • 14 mm shorter (289.2 mm vs 303.5 mm long)
  • Focuses 50 cm closer (1.5 m vs 2 m)
  • Smaller filter thread (105 mm vs 112 mm)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM has the edge: it is 300 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

17 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationNikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VRSigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM
Focal length120–300mm 120–300mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8 f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22 f/22
Lens typeTelephoto zoom lens Zoom lens
FormatFull Frame Full frame
Weight3,250 g (7.2 lbs) 2950 g (104.06 oz) ◆
Dimensions128 mm (diameter) x 303.5 mm (length) 289.2 x 114.4 mm
Minimum focusing distance2.0 m (6.6 ft) 1.5 m (59.06 inches) ◆
Maximum magnification0.16x —
Image stabilizationYes (Vibration Reduction with up to 4.0 stops of compensation) Yes
Weather sealingDust and moisture resistant —
Aperture ringNo No
Aperture blades9 (rounded) 9
Optical construction25 elements in 19 groups (including 1 SR, 1 Fluorite, and 1 ED element) 23 elements / 18 groups
Filter size112 mm 105 mm ◆
Lens mountNikon F Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Sigma SA, Pentax K, Four Thirds
Released2020 2010
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Nikon
  • B · Sigma
  • 303.5 × 128 mm
  • 289.2 × 114.4 mm

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is 14 mm longer and 300 g heavier than the Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR

Brake - Fluid
Brake - Fluid by Martyn William's Aircraft
Simply Red
Simply Red by Martyn William's Aircraft
Little Beauty
Little Beauty by Martyn William's Aircraft
Numero Dieci
Numero Dieci by Martyn William's Aircraft
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR review 1
Video thumbnail for Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR review 2
Video thumbnail for Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM review 1
Video thumbnail for Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR or the Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM?
The Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM weighs 2950 g, 300 g less than the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR (3250 g).
Which focuses closer, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR or the Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM?
The Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM focuses down to 1.5 m, against 2 m for the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR.
Do the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR and the Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM have image stabilization?
Yes, both lenses have optical image stabilization.
Is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR or the Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM better for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, the Sigma 120-300 mm f/2.8 APO EX DG OS HSM has the edge: it is 300 g lighter to carry.