The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM 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. Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM is the longer of the two lenses at 118mm. The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro with a length of 98mm, is 20mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM also has a larger diameter of 85mm 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, 34% (240g) lighter than the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM's weight of 700g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM has a filter size of 72mm 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 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro has the Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount.
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
Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 100mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
150mm.
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.