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 Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 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. Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 is the longer of the two lenses at 128mm. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with a length of 88mm, is 40mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135's 84mm 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 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM weighs 725g, which means it is 195g (21%) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 which has a weight of 920g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
Both the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 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 EX DG HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 is also available in Canon EF mount.
Focal Range
Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
127.5mm.
On the other hand, the Carl Zeiss Apo Sonnar T2/135 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 135mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 202.5mm.