The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro and the Samyang 85mm F1.4 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 EX DG Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 98mm. The Samyang 85mm F1.4 with a length of 75mm, is 23mm shorter. On the other hand, the Samyang 85mm F1.4 has a larger diameter of 78mm compared to the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's 74mm 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 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro weighs 460g, which means it is 79g (14%) lighter than the Samyang 85mm F1.4 which has a weight of 539g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Samyang 85mm F1.4 has a 72mm 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 EX DG Macro:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Samyang 85mm F1.4:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro and the Samyang 85mm F1.4 has the same Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Four Thirds lenses are Olympus E-5, Olympus E-600 and Olympus E-620.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Samyang 85mm F1.4 is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Sony E and Samsung NX mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 105mm.
On the other hand, the Samyang 85mm F1.4 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm.