The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Canon 35-80mm f4.0-5.6 III 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 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 68mm. The Canon 35-80mm f4.0-5.6 III with a length of 64mm, is 4mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Canon 35-80mm f4.0-5.6 III's 65mm 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 35-80mm f4.0-5.6 III weighs 175g, 65% (330g) lighter than the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's weight of 505g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Canon 35-80mm f4.0-5.6 III 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 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 35-80mm f4.0-5.6 III:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Canon 35-80mm f4.0-5.6 III has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K.
Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in the Pentax KAF3 , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA, Nikon F (FX) and Four Thirds mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 50mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
80mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 35-80mm f4.0-5.6 III has a focal range of 35-80mm and 2.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 56 - 128mm.