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 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. Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 137mm. The Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 with a length of 128mm, is 9mm shorter. On the other hand, the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 has a larger diameter of 84mm 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, 2% (25g) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135's weight of 920g.
Filter Threads
The Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 has a filter size of 77mm 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 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 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.
Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Four Thirds and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 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.