The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon TS-E 135mm F4L Macro and the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon TS-E 135mm F4L Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 139mm. The Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM with a length of 137mm, is 2mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon TS-E 135mm F4L Macro also has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM's 80mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM weighs 895g, 19% (215g) lighter than the Canon TS-E 135mm F4L Macro's weight of 1110g.
Filter Threads
The Canon TS-E 135mm F4L Macro has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon TS-E 135mm F4L Macro:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon TS-E 135mm F4L Macro and the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Four Thirds and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Canon TS-E 135mm F4L Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 135mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
216mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 150mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 240mm.