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 Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR 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. Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 85mm. The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM with a length of 59mm, is 26mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR's 72mm 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 55g (11%) lighter than the Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR which has a weight of 485g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR 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 Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM and the Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR has the same Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (DX) lenses are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600.
Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is also available in the Canon EF-S , 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
45mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR has a focal range of 16-85mm and 5.3X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 24-127.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
