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 Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II 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 F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 120mm. The Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM with a length of 103mm, is 17mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 87mm.
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, which means it is 70g (10%) lighter than the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM which has a weight of 670g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for size comparison purposes.
Ultra-Wideangle Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM has the same Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sigma SA lenses are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill.
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
12-24mm and the fastest aperture of
F4.5 - F5.6.