The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM 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 EX DG HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 88mm. The Canon 85mm f1.8 USM with a length of 72mm, is 16mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM's 75mm 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. Canon 85mm f1.8 USM weighs 425g, 41% (300g) lighter than the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM's weight of 725g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM has a 58mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
85mm but while Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has the fastest aperture of
F1.4, the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM's widest aperture value is
F1.8.
