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 Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX 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 135mm F1.8 DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 115mm. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with a length of 88mm, is 27mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 91mm compared to the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's 86mm 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 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM weighs 725g, 35% (405g) 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 Sigma SA Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Sigma SA Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM 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 Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM and the Sigma 85mm F1.4 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 135mm F1.8 DG HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Canon EF and Sony E mounts.
Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF3 and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 135mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm.