The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro and the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D 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. Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D is the longer of the two lenses at 107mm. The Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro with a length of 106mm, is 1mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D also has a larger diameter of 83mm compared to the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro's 71mm 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. Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro weighs 515g, which means it is 135g (20%) lighter than the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D which has a weight of 650g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro has a filter size of 49mm whereas the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 49mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro and the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Sigma SA and Sony E mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 70mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
105mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon PC-E Micro-85mm f2.8D is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 127.5mm.