The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD 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 APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 204mm. The Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro with a length of 166mm, is 38mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 95mm compared to the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro's 85mm 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. Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro weighs 920g, 43% (720g) lighter than the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM's weight of 1640g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Macro Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Macro Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a filter size of 86mm whereas the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro 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 86mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro 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 APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Sigma SA and Sony Alpha mounts.
Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro is also available in Nikon F (FX) and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
180mm but while Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has the fastest aperture of
F2.8, the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro's widest aperture value is
F3.5.