§ 03 Head to head
Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS vs Sony 70-400 mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II
Sigma 70–300mm f/4-5.6 is 890 g lighter. Sony 70–400mm f/4-5.6 has a longer reach.
The Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS is a 70–300mm f/4-5.6 zoom, and the Sony 70-400 mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II is a 70–400mm f/4-5.6 zoom. On paper the Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS 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 Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS better than the Sony 70-400 mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II?
- 890 g lighter (610 g vs 1500 g)
- 70 mm shorter (126.5 mm vs 196 mm long)
- Has optical image stabilization
- Smaller filter thread (62 mm vs 77 mm)
Why is the Sony 70-400 mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II better than the Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS?
- Longer reach (400mm vs 300mm)
- Newer design (2013 vs 2009)
02
Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS has the edge: it is 890 g lighter to carry.
03
Specification
| Specification | Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS | Sony 70-400 mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 70–300mm | 70–400mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4-5.6 | f/4-5.6 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22-32 |
| Lens type | Zoom lens | Zoom lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 610 g (21.52 oz) ◆ | 1500 g (52.91 oz) |
| Dimensions | 76.5 x 126.5 mm | 94.5 x 196 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 1.5 m (59.06 inches) | 1.5 m (59.06 inches) |
| Image stabilization | Yes ◆ | No |
| Weather sealing | — | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 9 |
| Optical construction | 16 elements / 11 groups | 18 elements / 12 groups |
| Filter size | 62 mm ◆ | 77 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Sigma SA, Pentax K | Sony A |
| Released | 2009 | 2013 |
04
Size
- A · Sigma
- B · Sony
- 126.5 × 76.5 mm
- 196 × 94.5 mm
The Sony 70-400 mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II is 69 mm longer and 890 g heavier than the Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS.
05
Sample frames
Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS
06
Video reviews
07
Questions
- Which is lighter, the Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS or the Sony 70-400 mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II?
- The Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS weighs 610 g, 890 g less than the Sony 70-400 mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II (1500 g).
- Do the Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS and the Sony 70-400 mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II have image stabilization?
- Only the Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS has optical image stabilization.
- Is the Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS or the Sony 70-400 mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Sigma 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG OS has the edge: it is 890 g lighter to carry.
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