The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Samyang 85mm F1.4 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 F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 127mm. The Samyang 85mm F1.4 with a length of 75mm, is 52mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 78mm.
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. Samyang 85mm F1.4 weighs 539g, 25% (187g) lighter than the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM's weight of 726g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Samyang 85mm F1.4 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 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Samyang 85mm F1.4:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Samyang 85mm F1.4 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 OS HSM is also available in Canon EF and Sigma SA mounts.
Samyang 85mm F1.4 is also available in Canon EF , Four Thirds, Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Sony E and Samsung NX mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 105mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
157.5mm.
On the other hand, the Samyang 85mm F1.4 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 127.5mm.