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 85mm f1.2L II 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. Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 127mm. The Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM with a length of 84mm, is 43mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM has a larger diameter of 92mm 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 299g (29%) lighter than the Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM which has a weight of 1025g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Canon 85mm f1.2L II 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 85mm f1.2L II USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Canon 85mm f1.2L II USM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is also available in 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 85mm f1.2L II USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 136mm.