The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Schneider PC 28mm f2.8 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. Schneider PC 28mm f2.8 is the longer of the two lenses at 89mm. The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM with a length of 59mm, is 30mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Schneider PC 28mm f2.8's 75mm 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 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM weighs 430g, 23% (135g) lighter than the Schneider PC 28mm f2.8's weight of 565g.
Filter Threads
The Schneider PC 28mm f2.8 has a filter size of 67mm 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 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Schneider PC 28mm f2.8:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Schneider PC 28mm f2.8 and the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has the same Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Pentax KAF lenses are Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III.
Schneider PC 28mm f2.8 is also available in Canon EF , Sony Alpha and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is also available in Canon EF-S , Nikon F (DX), Four Thirds, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Schneider PC 28mm f2.8 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 28mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
42mm.
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.