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 Venus 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro 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 Venus 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro with a length of 125mm, is 2mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 78mm compared to the Venus 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro's 72mm 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. Venus 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro weighs 638g, 12% (88g) lighter than the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM's weight of 726g.
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 Venus 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro has a 67mm 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 67mm filters that we recommend for the Venus 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Venus 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro 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.
Venus 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Pentax KAF2 and Sony E 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 Venus 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 100mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 160mm.