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 and the Nikon 85mm f1.8G for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 126mm. The Nikon 85mm f1.8G with a length of 73mm, is 53mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 95mm compared to the Nikon 85mm f1.8G's 80mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Nikon 85mm f1.8G weighs 350g, 69% (780g) lighter than the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM's weight of 1130g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Prime Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM and the Nikon 85mm f1.8G 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 85mm F1.4 DG HSM is also available in Sigma SA and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of 85mm but while Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM has the fastest aperture of F1.4, the Nikon 85mm f1.8G's widest aperture value is F1.8.