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 35mm f1.8G 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 35mm f1.8G is the longer of the two lenses at 72mm. The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM with a length of 59mm, is 13mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Nikon 35mm f1.8G'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. Nikon 35mm f1.8G weighs 305g, 29% (125g) 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 Nikon 35mm f1.8G 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 Nikon 35mm f1.8G:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Nikon 35mm f1.8G 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 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is also available in Canon EF-S , Four Thirds, Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Nikon 35mm f1.8G is also available in Nikon F (DX) mount.
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 35mm f1.8G is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 35mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 52.5mm.