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 85mm F1.4 EX 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. Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 132mm. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with a length of 88mm, is 44mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 116mm compared to the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's 86mm 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 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM weighs 725g, 55% (920g) lighter than the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM's weight of 1645g.
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 Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM has a filter size of 105mm whereas the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a 77mm 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 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM and the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX 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.
Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Sigma SA and Sony E mounts.
Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 105mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
168mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 136mm.