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 Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD 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. Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD is the longer of the two lenses at 99mm. The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM with a length of 59mm, is 40mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD also has a larger diameter of 80mm 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 145g (25%) lighter than the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD which has a weight of 575g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD has a 72mm 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 72mm filters that we recommend for the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM and the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD has the same Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Four Thirds lenses are , and .
Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is also available in the Canon EF-S , Nikon F (DX), 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
45mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD has a focal range of 12-60mm and 5.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 24-120mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.
