The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM and the Canon 28mm f2.8 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. Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 94mm. The Canon 28mm f2.8 IS USM with a length of 52mm, is 42mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Canon 28mm f2.8 IS USM's 68mm 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 f2.8 IS USM weighs 260g, 60% (405g) lighter than the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM's weight of 665g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Wideangle Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Wideangle Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Canon 28mm f2.8 IS 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 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 28mm f2.8 IS USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM and the Canon 28mm f2.8 IS USM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM is also available in Pentax KAF3 , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA, Nikon F (FX) and Leica L mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 35mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
56mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 28mm f2.8 IS 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.