The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 and the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG 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. Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 is the longer of the two lenses at 128mm. The Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM with a length of 115mm, is 13mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM has a larger diameter of 91mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135's 84mm 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. Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 weighs 920g, which means it is 210g (18%) lighter than the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM which has a weight of 1130g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM has a 82mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135:
And these are the 82mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 and the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG 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.
Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM is also available in Sigma SA , Nikon F (FX) and Sony E mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
135mm but while Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 has the fastest aperture of
F2.0, the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM's widest aperture value is
F1.8.