The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM and the Tokina 17-35mm f4 Pro FX 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 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 121mm. The Tokina 17-35mm f4 Pro FX with a length of 94mm, is 27mm shorter. On the other hand, the Tokina 17-35mm f4 Pro FX has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM's 78mm 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. Tokina 17-35mm f4 Pro FX weighs 600g, 25% (210g) lighter than the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM's weight of 810g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Tokina 17-35mm f4 Pro FX has a 82mm 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 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM:
And these are the 82mm filters that we recommend for the Tokina 17-35mm f4 Pro FX:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Tokina 17-35mm f4 Pro FX has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Tokina 17-35mm f4 Pro FX is also available in Canon EF mount.
Focal Range
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM has a focal range of 18-35mm and
1.9X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
27-52.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Tokina 17-35mm f4 Pro FX has a focal range of 17-35mm and 2.1X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 25.5 - 52.5mm.