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 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 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 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 is the longer of the two lenses at 71mm. The Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C with a length of 60mm, is 11mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C has a larger diameter of 67mm compared to the Panasonic 12-60mm F3.5-5.6's 66mm 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 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 weighs 210g, 25% (70g) 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 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 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 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Panasonic 12-60mm F3.5-5.6:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C and the Panasonic 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 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-3 Astro, OM System OM-5 II and OM System OM-3.
Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN C is also available in the 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 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 has a focal range of 12-60mm and 5.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 24-120mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.
