The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro and the Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro 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. Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 98mm. The Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro with a length of 95mm, is 3mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro also has a larger diameter of 81mm compared to the Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's 76mm 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 EX DG Macro weighs 527g, which means it is 183g (25%) lighter than the Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro which has a weight of 710g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Macro Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Macro Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro and the Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Nikon F (FX) , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 70mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
112mm.
On the other hand, the Canon MP-E 65mm f2.5 1-5x Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 65mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 104mm.