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 Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG 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 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG is the longer of the two lenses at 122mm. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with a length of 88mm, is 34mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG's 77mm 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 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG weighs 550g, 24% (175g) 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 Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG 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 Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM and the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has the same Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sigma SA lenses are Sigma Quattro, Sigma Quattro H and Sigma SD1 Merrill.
Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF3 and Sony Alpha mounts.
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha, Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG has a focal range of 70-300mm and 4.3X zoom ratio .
