The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 A and the Nikon Micro-85mm f3.5G 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. Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 A is the longer of the two lenses at 171mm. The Nikon Micro-85mm f3.5G ED VR with a length of 99mm, is 72mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 A also has a larger diameter of 94mm compared to the Nikon Micro-85mm f3.5G ED VR's 73mm 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 Micro-85mm f3.5G ED VR weighs 355g, 76% (1135g) lighter than the Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 A's weight of 1490g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 A has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Nikon Micro-85mm f3.5G ED VR has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 A:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon Micro-85mm f3.5G ED VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 A and the Nikon Micro-85mm f3.5G 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 50-100mm F1.8 A is also available in the Canon EF and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 A has a focal range of 50-100mm and
2.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
75-150mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon Micro-85mm f3.5G ED VR is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 127.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.