The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM and the Olympus 35mm f3.5 Macro 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 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 137mm. The Olympus 35mm f3.5 Macro with a length of 53mm, is 84mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM also has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to the Olympus 35mm f3.5 Macro's 71mm 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. Olympus 35mm f3.5 Macro weighs 165g, 81% (730g) lighter than the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM's weight of 895g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Macro Prime Lenses in Four Thirds Mount for size comparison purposes.
Macro Lenses in Four Thirds Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Olympus 35mm f3.5 Macro has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Olympus 35mm f3.5 Macro:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM and the Olympus 35mm f3.5 Macro has the same Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Four Thirds lenses are Olympus E-5, Olympus E-600 and Olympus E-620.
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Nikon F (FX) and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 150mm.
On the other hand, the Olympus 35mm f3.5 Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 35mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 70mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.
