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 II 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 an important deciding factor 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 as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM weighs 600g, 10% (70g) lighter than the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM's 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.
Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM and the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX 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 II DG HSM is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
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.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of 12-24mm and the fastest aperture of F4.5 - F5.6.