The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM and the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 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. Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 is the longer of the two lenses at 128mm. The Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM with a length of 115mm, is 13mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM has a larger diameter of 91mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135's 84mm 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. Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 weighs 920g, 18% (210g) lighter than the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM's weight of 1130g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM and the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 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 135mm F1.8 DG HSM is also available in Sigma SA , Nikon F (FX) and Sony E mounts.
Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
135mm but while Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM has the fastest aperture of
F1.8, the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135's widest aperture value is
F2.0.