The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM and the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM 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 12-24mm F4 DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 132mm. The Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM with a length of 103mm, is 29mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 101mm compared to the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM's 87mm 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 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM weighs 600g, 47% (551g) lighter than the Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM's weight of 1151g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Ultra-Wideangle Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM and the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM 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 12-24mm F4 DG HSM is also available in Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in Pentax KAF , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
12-24mm but while Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM has the fastest aperture of
F4, the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM's widest aperture value is
F4.5 - F5.6.