The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS and the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC 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. Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 59mm. The Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS with a length of 50mm, is 9mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM also has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS's 55mm 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. Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS weighs 130g, which means it is 300g (69%) lighter than the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM which has a weight of 430g.
Filter Threads
The Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS has a filter size of 37mm whereas the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM 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 37mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM:
Lens Mounts
The Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS has the Micro Four Thirds lens mount whereas the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has the Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are OM System OM-3 Astro, OM System OM-5 II and OM System OM-3 for the Micro Four Thirds Mount and , and for the Four Thirds Mount.
Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is also available in Canon EF-S , Nikon F (DX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 43mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
86mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.
On the other hand, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 30mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 45mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
