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 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS 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. Canon 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 92mm. The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM with a length of 59mm, is 33mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM also has a larger diameter of 79mm compared to the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM's 77mm 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 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM weighs 430g, which means it is 45g (9%) lighter than the Canon 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM which has a weight of 475g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Canon 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM has a 67mm 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 67mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM and the Canon 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM has the same Canon EF-S lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF-S lenses are Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3.
Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is also available in the 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 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM has a focal range of 17-85mm and 5.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 27.2-136mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
