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 Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD 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. Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD is the longer of the two lenses at 143mm. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with a length of 88mm, is 55mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD's 82mm 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, which means it is 40g (5%) lighter than the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD which has a weight of 765g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD 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 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD 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.
Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD is also available in Canon EF mount.
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 Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD has a focal range of 70-300mm and 4.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105 - 450mm.