The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM 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. Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 132mm. The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro with a length of 98mm, is 34mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 116mm 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, 72% (1185g) lighter than the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM's weight of 1645g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM has a filter size of 105mm 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 105mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM and the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro 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 105mm F1.4 DG HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Sigma SA and Sony E mounts.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Four Thirds mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
105mm but while Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM has the fastest aperture of
F1.4, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's widest aperture value is
F2.8.