The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR and the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG 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. Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 203mm. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM with a length of 126mm, is 77mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM has a larger diameter of 95mm compared to the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR's 89mm 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 DG HSM weighs 1130g, 20% (300g) lighter than the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR's weight of 1430g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM has a 86mm 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 Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR:
And these are the 86mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR and the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM 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 DG HSM is also available in Sigma SA and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR has a focal range of 70-200mm and
2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
105 - 300mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 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.
