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 60mm F2.8 DN 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 60mm F2.8 DN is the longer of the two lenses at 56mm. The Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS with a length of 50mm, is 6mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 60mm F2.8 DN also has a larger diameter of 61mm 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 60g (31%) lighter than the Sigma 60mm F2.8 DN which has a weight of 190g.
Filter Threads
The Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS has a filter size of 37mm whereas the Sigma 60mm F2.8 DN has a 46mm 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 46mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 60mm F2.8 DN:
Lens Mounts
Both the Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS and the Sigma 60mm F2.8 DN has the same Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Micro Four Thirds lenses are OM System OM-3 Astro, OM System OM-5 II and OM System OM-3.
Sigma 60mm F2.8 DN is also available in Sony E mount.
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 60mm F2.8 DN is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 60mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 90mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
