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 Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ 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 is the longer of the two lenses at 126mm. The Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ with a length of 71mm, is 55mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 95mm compared to the Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ's 64mm diameter.
ss
Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM and Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ 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. Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ weighs 281g, 75% (849g) lighter than the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM's weight of 1130g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM has a filter size of 86mm whereas the Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ 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:
And these are the 49mm filters that we recommend for the Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM has the Sigma SA lens mount whereas the Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ has the Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill for the Sigma SA Mount and Sony A9 III, Sony A7C Mark II and Sony A7CR for the Sony E Mount.
Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM is also available in Nikon F (FX) and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm.
On the other hand, the Sony FE 55mm F1.8 ZA CZ is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 55mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 82.5mm.