The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM 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. Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 132mm. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM with a length of 126mm, is 6mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 116mm compared to the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM's 95mm 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, 31% (515g) lighter than the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM's weight of 1645g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM has a filter size of 105mm 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 105mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM:
And these are the 86mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM has the Sigma SA lens mount whereas the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill for the Sigma SA Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Nikon F (FX) and Sony E mounts.
Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM is also available in Sigma SA and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 105mm.
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.
