The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro 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 APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 204mm. The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro with a length of 98mm, is 106mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 95mm compared to the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro's 74mm 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 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro weighs 460g, 71% (1180g) lighter than the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM's weight of 1640g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Macro Prime Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for size comparison purposes.
Macro Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has a filter size of 86mm whereas the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has a 62mm 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 APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II.
Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is also available in the Canon EF , Nikon F (FX) and Sigma SA mounts.
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sigma SA and Four Thirds mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma APO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 180mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
270mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 105mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 157.5mm.
