The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II and the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG 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 FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is the longer of the two lenses at 112mm. The Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM with a length of 103mm, is 9mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II also has a larger diameter of 88mm compared to the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM's 87mm 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. Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II weighs 547g, which means it is 53g (8%) lighter than the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM which has a weight of 600g.
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM 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 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sigma SA and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has a focal range of 16-35mm and
2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
24 - 52.5mm.
On the other hand, the Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM has a focal range of 12-24mm and 2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 18 - 36mm.