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 8mm F3.5 EX DG Fisheye 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 8mm F3.5 EX DG Fisheye with a length of 69mm, is 51mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 87mm compared to the Sigma 8mm F3.5 EX DG Fisheye's 74mm 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 8mm F3.5 EX DG Fisheye weighs 400g, 40% (270g) lighter than the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM's weight of 670g.
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM and the Sigma 8mm F3.5 EX DG Fisheye 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 the Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Sigma 8mm F3.5 EX DG Fisheye is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM has a focal range of 12-24mm and
2.0X zoom ratio .
On the other hand, the Sigma 8mm F3.5 EX DG Fisheye is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 8mm.
