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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR vs Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO DG OS HSM

Both are Nikon F telephoto zoom lenses for full frame. Here is what actually differs.

Pick the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR if

  • You want a wider view: 70mm vs 120mm at the wide end
  • Our notes say it suits: Casual wildlife, sports, travel

Pick the Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO DG OS HSM if

  • You need more reach: 400mm vs 300mm at the long end

Spec differences

11 differences
Specifications that differ between the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR and the Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO DG OS HSM
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO DG OS HSM
Brand
Nikon
Sigma
Focal length
70-300mm
120-400mm
Weight
745 g
not listed
Length
143.5 mm
not listed
Diameter
80 mm
not listed
Filter thread
67 mm
77 mm
Max magnification
not listed
0.24×
Aperture blades
not listed
9
Optical design
17 elements / 12 groups
21 elements / 15 groups
Autofocus motor
SWM
HSM
Released
2006
not listed
6 identical specs hidden: mount, type, format, max aperture, min focus distance, image stabilization. Show all
Mount
Nikon F both
Type
Telephoto Zoom both
Format
Full frame both
Max aperture
f/4.5 both
Min focus distance
1.5 m both
Image stabilization
Yes both

Our notes

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

A lightweight telephoto zoom for Nikon FX cameras with vibration reduction and a silent-wave motor.

Pros

  • Light (745 g)
  • Vibration reduction
  • Silent-wave AF

Cons

  • Soft at 300mm
  • Variable aperture
  • Slow in low light

Our notes

Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO DG OS HSM

More comparisons

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR vs Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

390 g lighter vs more reach (400mm)

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR vs Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO DG OS HSM

wider (55mm) vs more reach (400mm)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR vs Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport

focuses closer vs wider (60mm)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LD Macro

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR vs Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LD Macro

stabilized vs ⅓ stop faster

Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD vs Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO DG OS HSM

Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD: wider (100mm), 0.28× magnification

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
Vivitar 75-205mm f/3.8 Auto Tele-Zoom

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR vs Vivitar 75-205mm f/3.8 Auto Tele-Zoom

wider (70mm) vs ½ stop faster

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