The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM A and the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro A 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 85mm F1.4 DG HSM A is the longer of the two lenses at 126mm. The Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro A with a length of 106mm, is 20mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM A also has a larger diameter of 95mm compared to the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro A's 71mm diameter.
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Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM A and Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro A to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.
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 A weighs 515g, 54% (615g) lighter than the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM A's weight of 1130g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM A has a filter size of 86mm whereas the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro A has a 49mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 86mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM A:
And these are the 49mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro A:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM A and the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro A has the same Leica L lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Leica L lenses are Leica SL3, Panasonic S5 II and Panasonic S5 II X.
Focal Range
Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM A is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro A is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 70mm.