The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro and the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM 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. LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 134mm. The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM with a length of 127mm, is 7mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a larger diameter of 78mm compared to the LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro's 68mm 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. LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro weighs 521g, which means it is 205g (28%) lighter than the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM which has a weight of 726g.
Filter Threads
Both the LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro and the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM have the same Filter thread size of 62mm.
Below are links to the 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R6 V, Canon R6 III and Canon C50 for the Canon RF Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro is also available in the Sony E , Nikon Z and Leica L mounts.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is also available in Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
LAOWA 180mm f4.5 Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 180mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
270mm.
On the other hand, the 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 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 168mm.
