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 OS HSM and the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM 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. Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM is the longer of the two lenses at 187mm. The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM with a length of 127mm, is 60mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM also has a larger diameter of 83mm compared to the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM's 78mm 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 OS HSM weighs 726g, which means it is 364g (33%) lighter than the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM which has a weight of 1090g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Macro Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Macro Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM 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 OS HSM:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is also available in the Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 105mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
168mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 180mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 288mm.
