The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 70mm F2.8 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 70mm F2.8 DG Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 106mm. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with a length of 88mm, is 18mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro's 71mm 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 70mm F2.8 DG Macro weighs 515g, 28% (210g) lighter than the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's weight of 725g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro has a 49mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM:
And these are the 49mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 70mm F2.8 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 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Sigma SA and Sony E mounts.
Focal Range
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 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
127.5mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 70mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105mm.