The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 105mm F1.4 and the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro 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. Nikon 105mm F1.4 is the longer of the two lenses at 106mm. The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro with a length of 98mm, is 8mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 105mm F1.4 also has a larger diameter of 95mm compared to the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's 74mm 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 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro weighs 460g, 53% (525g) lighter than the Nikon 105mm F1.4's weight of 985g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon 105mm F1.4 has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has a 62mm 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 Nikon 105mm F1.4:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon 105mm F1.4 and the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Four Thirds mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
105mm but while Nikon 105mm F1.4 has the fastest aperture of
F1.4, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's widest aperture value is
F2.8.