The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM and the Canon 35mm f2 IS USM 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. Canon 35mm f2 IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 63mm. The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM with a length of 59mm, is 4mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 35mm f2 IS USM also has a larger diameter of 78mm compared to the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM's 77mm 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. Canon 35mm f2 IS USM weighs 335g, 22% (95g) lighter than the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM's weight of 430g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Canon 35mm f2 IS USM has a 67mm 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 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 35mm f2 IS USM:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has the Canon EF-S lens mount whereas the Canon 35mm f2 IS USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3 for the Canon EF-S Mount and Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV for the Canon EF Mount.
Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is also available in Nikon F (DX) , Four Thirds, Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 30mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
48mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Canon 35mm f2 IS USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 35mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 56mm.