Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4G ED VR § 03 Head to head
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4G ED VR vs Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM
Sigma 500mm f/4 is 570 g lighter.
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4G 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 0, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4G ED VR 
Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM 01
Key differences
Why is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4G ED VR better than the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM?
No measurable advantage on paper.
Why is the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM better than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4G ED VR?
- 570 g lighter (3310 g vs 3880 g)
- 11 mm shorter (380.3 mm vs 391 mm long)
- Focuses 50 cm closer (3.5 m vs 4 m)
- Newer design (2016 vs 2007)
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Specification
| Specification | Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4G 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 | 3880 g (136.86 oz) | 3310 g (116.76 oz) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 139.5 x 391 mm | 380.3 x 144.8 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 4 m (157.48 inches) | 3.50 m (137.80 inches) ◆ |
| Image stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Weather sealing | — | Yes |
| Aperture ring | — | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 14 elements in 11 groups | 16 elements / 11 groups |
| Filter size | 52 mm (drop-in) | 46 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA |
| Released | 2007 | 2016 |
| Price | — | $5,999 launch price |
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Size
- A · Nikon
- B · Sigma
- 391 × 139.5 mm
- 380.3 × 144.8 mm
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4G ED VR is 11 mm longer and 570 g heavier than the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM.
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Sample frames
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/4G ED VR or the Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM?
- The Sigma S 500 mm f/4 DG OS HSM weighs 3310 g, 570 g less than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4G ED VR (3880 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4G 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 4 m for the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4G ED VR.
- Do the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4G 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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