The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM and the Canon 28mm f1.8 USM 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 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 59mm. The Canon 28mm f1.8 USM with a length of 56mm, is 3mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM also has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Canon 28mm f1.8 USM'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. Canon 28mm f1.8 USM weighs 310g, 27% (120g) lighter than the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM's weight of 430g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Canon 28mm f1.8 USM has a 58mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 28mm f1.8 USM:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has the Canon EF-S lens mount whereas the Canon 28mm f1.8 USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3 for the Canon EF-S Mount and Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV for the Canon EF Mount.
Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is also available in Nikon F (DX) , Four Thirds, Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 30mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
48mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Canon 28mm f1.8 USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 28mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 44.8mm.