§ 03 Head to head

Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II vs Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM

Nikon 55–200mm f/4-5.6 is 120 g lighter. Sigma 50–200mm f/4-5.6 has a wider field of view.

Both lenses are made for the Nikon F mount: the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II is a 55–200mm f/4-5.6 zoom, and the Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM is a 50–200mm f/4-5.6 zoom. On paper the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II better than the Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM?

  • 120 g lighter (300 g vs 420 g)
  • 19 mm shorter (83 mm vs 102.2 mm long)
  • Smaller filter thread (52 mm vs 55 mm)
  • Newer design (2015 vs 2009)

Why is the Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM better than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II?

  • Wider field of view (50mm vs 55mm)
  • More aperture blades (8 vs 7)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II has the edge: it is 120 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

16 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationNikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR IISigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM
Focal length55–200mm 50–200mm
Maximum aperturef/4-5.6 f/4-5.6
Minimum aperturef/22 f/22
Lens typeZoom lens Zoom lens
FormatAPS-C APS-C
Weight300 g (10.58 oz) ◆420 g (14.82 oz)
Dimensions70.5 x 83 mm 74.6 x 102.2 mm
Minimum focusing distance1.10 m (43.31 inches) 1.1 m (43.31 inches)
Image stabilizationYes Yes
Weather sealingNo —
Aperture ringNo —
Aperture blades7 8 ◆
Optical construction13 elements / 9 groups 14 elements in 10 groups
Filter size52 mm ◆55 mm
Lens mountNikon F Nikon F, Sony A, Sigma SA, Pentax K, Canon EF-S
Released2015 2009
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Nikon
  • B · Sigma
  • 83 × 70.5 mm
  • 102.2 × 74.6 mm

The Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM is 19 mm longer and 120 g heavier than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II

Jamaladeen Tacuma, Will Calhoun Celebrating the100th Anniversity of Miles Davis, Wiggins Park, Camden, New Jersey
Jamaladeen Tacuma, Will Calhoun Celebrating the100th Anniversity of Miles Davis, Wiggins Park, Camden, New Jersey by jackman on jazz
Nat Adderley, Jr., Nat Adderley, Jr. Trio, Charlie Parker Jazz Festival
Nat Adderley, Jr., Nat Adderley, Jr. Trio, Charlie Parker Jazz Festival by jackman on jazz
Hunting Jet Provest.
Hunting Jet Provest. by Pete Cartwright
A400M Atlas
A400M Atlas by Pete Cartwright

Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM

Goldie Locks
Goldie Locks by lsimons58
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II review 1
Video thumbnail for Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II review 2
Video thumbnail for Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM review 1
Video thumbnail for Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II or the Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM?
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II weighs 300 g, 120 g less than the Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM (420 g).
Do the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II and the Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM have image stabilization?
Yes, both lenses have optical image stabilization.
Is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II or the Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM better for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II has the edge: it is 120 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons