The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM and the Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 103mm. The Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED with a length of 88mm, is 15mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED's 84mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED weighs 430g, 28% (170g) lighter than the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM's weight of 600g.
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM has the Pentax KAF lens mount whereas the Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED has the Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Pentax KF, Pentax K-3 III and Pentax K-1 II for the Pentax KAF Mount and , and for the Pentax KAF2 Mount.
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , 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 F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM has the fastest aperture of F4.5 - F5.6, the Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED's widest aperture value is F4.0.