The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro and the Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4 E 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 F2.8 DG DN Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 134mm. The Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4 E with a length of 72mm, is 62mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro also has a larger diameter of 74mm compared to the Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4 E's 65mm 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. Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4 E weighs 315g, 55% (400g) lighter than the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro's weight of 715g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Macro Lenses in Sony E Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Sony E Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4 E has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4 E:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro and the Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4 E has the same Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony E lenses are Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro is also available in the Leica L mount.
Focal Range
Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 105mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
157.5mm.
On the other hand, the Tokina atx-m 56mm F1.4 E is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 56mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 84mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
