The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM and the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM 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. Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM is the longer of the two lenses at 88mm. The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM with a length of 59mm, is 29mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM also has a larger diameter of 81mm compared to the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM'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 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM weighs 430g, 25% (147g) lighter than the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM's weight of 577g.
Filter Threads
The Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM 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 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM and the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58.
Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is also available in Canon EF-S , Nikon F (DX), Four Thirds, Pentax KAF and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM has a focal range of 16-50mm and
3.1X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
24-75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 30mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 45mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
