Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR § 03 Head to head
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR vs Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM
Nikon 500mm f/4 is 220 g lighter. Sigma 500mm f/4 is 7 mm shorter.
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR is a 500mm f/4 prime, and the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM is a 500mm f/4 prime. On paper the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR 
Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM 01
Key differences
Why is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR better than the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM?
- 220 g lighter (3090 g vs 3310 g)
- Smaller filter thread (40.5 mm vs 46 mm)
Why is the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM better than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR?
- 7 mm shorter (380.3 mm vs 387 mm long)
- Focuses 10 cm closer (3.5 m vs 3.6 m)
- $4,301 cheaper ($5,999 launch price vs $10,299.95 launch price)
- Newer design (2016 vs 2015)
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Specification
| Specification | Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR | Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 500mm | 500mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 3090 g (109.00 oz) ◆ | 3310 g (116.76 oz) |
| Dimensions | 387 x 140 mm | 380.3 x 144.8 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 3.6 m (141.73 inches) | 3.50 m (137.80 inches) ◆ |
| Image stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 16 elements / 12 groups | 16 elements / 11 groups |
| Filter size | 40.5 mm ◆ | 46 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA |
| Released | 2015 | 2016 |
| Price | $10,299.95 launch price | $5,999 launch price ◆ |
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Size
- A · Nikon
- B · Sigma
- 387 × 140 mm
- 380.3 × 144.8 mm
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR is 7 mm longer and 220 g lighter than the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM.
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Sample frames
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR
Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR or the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM?
- The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR weighs 3090 g, 220 g less than the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM (3310 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR or the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM?
- The Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM focuses down to 3.5 m, against 3.6 m for the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR.
- Do the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E FL ED VR and the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM have image stabilization?
- Yes, both lenses have optical image stabilization.
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