§ 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.
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Key differences
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?
- 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.
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Specification
| Specification | Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II | Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 55–200mm | 50–200mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4-5.6 | f/4-5.6 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Zoom lens | Zoom lens |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 300 g (10.58 oz) ◆ | 420 g (14.82 oz) |
| Dimensions | 70.5 x 83 mm | 74.6 x 102.2 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 1.10 m (43.31 inches) | 1.1 m (43.31 inches) |
| Image stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Weather sealing | No | — |
| Aperture ring | No | — |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 8 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 13 elements / 9 groups | 14 elements in 10 groups |
| Filter size | 52 mm ◆ | 55 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon F | Nikon F, Sony A, Sigma SA, Pentax K, Canon EF-S |
| Released | 2015 | 2009 |
04
Size
- 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
Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II
Sigma 50-200 mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM
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Video reviews
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.
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