The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C and the Panasonic Leica Macro 45mm F2.8 OIS 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. Panasonic Leica Macro 45mm F2.8 OIS is the longer of the two lenses at 63mm. The Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C with a length of 60mm, is 3mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C has a larger diameter of 67mm compared to the Panasonic Leica Macro 45mm F2.8 OIS's 63mm 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. Panasonic Leica Macro 45mm F2.8 OIS weighs 225g, 19% (55g) lighter than the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C's weight of 280g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Panasonic Leica Macro 45mm F2.8 OIS has a 46mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C:
And these are the 46mm filters that we recommend for the Panasonic Leica Macro 45mm F2.8 OIS:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C and the Panasonic Leica Macro 45mm F2.8 OIS has the same Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Micro Four Thirds lenses are OM System OM-1 II, Panasonic G9 II and OM System OM-5.
Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C is also available in Sony E and Leica L mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 56mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
112mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Panasonic Leica Macro 45mm F2.8 OIS is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 45mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 90mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.